The spelling of "o Chlorobenzylidene malonotrile" may seem daunting, but the IPA phonetic transcription makes it easier to understand. The "o" at the beginning is pronounced as /əʊ/, making a long "o" sound like in "go". "Chlorobenzylidene" is broken down into /klɔːrəʊbɛnzɪlɪdiːn/. "Malonotrile" is pronounced as /mæləʊnɒtraɪl/. Putting it all together, the word is pronounced /əʊ klorəʊbɛnzɪlɪdiːn mæləʊnɒtraɪl/. With a little practice, this complex word is easier to say than it looks.
o Chlorobenzylidene malonotrile is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of organic compounds known as malononitriles. It is also commonly referred to as CS gas, which stands for chlorobenzylidene malononitrile.
CS gas is a highly potent tear gas that is widely used by law enforcement agencies and military forces for riot control purposes. It is also employed in military training exercises to simulate chemical warfare scenarios. The compound is an irritant, causing intense tearing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing upon exposure.
Chemically, o Chlorobenzylidene malonotrile is derived from malononitrile, where one of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by a chlorobenzylidene group. This substitution enhances the molecule's potency as a riot control agent.
The compound is typically delivered as an aerosol spray or canister, which can cause severe irritation when it comes into contact with the eyes, skin, or respiratory system. Due to its potential adverse effects, CS gas is considered a non-lethal weapon. However, it has been reported that prolonged exposure or exposure in enclosed spaces can lead to serious health complications and even fatalities in rare cases.
It is important to note that the use of CS gas is regulated by international treaties, and its use in warfare is strictly prohibited by the Chemical Weapons Convention.