Lewisite (redirected from Dichloro(2)-Chlorovinylarsine)

lewisite

[lo̅o̅′isīt]

Etymology: Winford L. Lewis, American chemist, 1878-1943

2-chlorovinyl arsine, a poisonous blister gas used in World War I that causes irritation of the lungs, dyspnea, damage to the tissues of the respiratory tract, tears, and pain.

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Lewisite

An organoarsenic compound developed as a vesicating chemical weapon, and manufactured by the US and Japan; it causes chemical burns or blisters of the skin and mucosa—e.g., conjunctiva, lacrimation, and pulmonary irritation and erosion— and liver necrosis

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lewisite

an arsenical mustard; used as a war gas. The possibility of arsenic poisoning in animals by this means now seems remote. The chief claim for the product in recent times is the production of an antidote which has come into general use for poisoning by metals; known as British antilewisite or BAL.