CN gas

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CN gas
CN gas
Systematic name CN gas
Chemical formula C8H13ClO
Molecular mass xx.xx g/mol
Density x.xxx g/cm3
Melting point 26.8 °C
Boiling point xx.x °C
CAS number [xx-xx-xx]
SMILES xxxxx
Disclaimer and references
Not to be confused with hydrogen cyanide, HCN.

CN, or chloroacetophenone, is a gas used as a riot control agent. It has the molecular formula C8H13ClO. It was investigated, but not used, during the First and Second World Wars, and was used by United States forces in Vietnam. As its toxicity is apparently greater than that of CS gas, it has largely been supplanted by CS gas.

CN is still supplied to paramilitary and police forces in a small pressurized aersol can known as "Mace" or tear gas. Its use has fallen by the wayside as "pepper spray" works faster and disperses quicker than CN.

Like CS gas, this compound is irritating for the mucous membranes (oral, nasal, conjunctival and tracheobronchial). Sometimes it can give rise to more generalised reactions such as syncope, temporary loss of balance and orientation. More rarely, cutaneous irritating outbreaks have been observed and allergic contact permanent dermatitis.



This article forms part of the series
Chemical warfare
Blood agents: Cyanogen chloride (CK) – Hydrogen cyanide (AC)
Blister agents: Lewisite (L) – Sulfur mustard gas (HD, H, HT, HL, HQ) – Nitrogen mustard gas (HN1, HN2, HN3)
Nerve agents: G-Agents: Tabun (GA) – Sarin (GB) – Soman (GD) – Cyclosarin (GF) – GV | V-Agents: VEVGVMVX | Novichok agents
Pulmonary agents: ChlorineChloropicrin (PS) – Phosgene (CG) – Diphosgene (DP)
Incapacitating agents: Agent 15 (BZ) – KOLOKOL-1
Riot control agents: Pepper spray (OC) – CS gasCN gas (mace) – CR gas
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