Mechanistic Insights into the Hydrolysis of 2‑Chloroethyl Ethyl Sulfide: The Expanded Roles of Sulfonium Salts

The hydrolysis of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide has been examined in an effort to better understand its mechanism under more concentrated conditions. Two salts formed during hydrolysis were synthesized, and an emphasis was placed on determining their effect on the reaction as it proceeded. Unexpected changes in mechanism were seen when excess chloride was added to the reaction. By measuring rates and product distributions as the products were added back into the hydrolysis, a mechanism was developed. The formation of these sulfonium salts represents additional products in the disappearance of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide with k₃ in particular causing a deviation away from expected first-order behavior. Sulfonium salts 3 and 4 do not appear to interconvert, and the system as a whole had fewer pathways available than previously proposed. Initial conditions for studying the hydrolysis were very important and could lead to different conclusions depending on the conditions used. This work will aid in better understanding the hydrolysis of the very toxic chemical warfare agent mustard (bis­(2-chloroethyl)­sulfide) in the environment and during its decontamination.