Identification and quantification by GC-MS of Sulphur mustard and related compounds after long time storage in sea water

Sulphur mustard in sea water undergoes decomposition to different products over time. After two weeks mustard gas is not detected in the sea water nor in the sediment. Ten decomposition products were identified in sea water and six in sea sediment over a period of six years. The formation of the different decomposition products varies at different time. Thiodiglycol is detected in the samples from day one to six years though with highest concentration between one week and one year. Some hydrolysis products arise after three weeks, like bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphone and 2-chloroethyl vinyl sulphone in sea water. Other arise after eight months like 1,4-dithiane-1,1-dioxide and 1,4-dithiane-1-oxide. The last compound has even increased from 8 months to six years. Most of the other hydrolysis products have decreased during the six years the experiments have been carrying out