Decomposition of the neuro- and nephrotoxic compound dichloroacetylene in the presence of oxygen: separation and identification of novel products.

Dichloroacetylene (DCA) shows pronounced nephrotoxic effects in several animal species and is neurotoxic in humans. It is a chemically highly reactive compound that decomposes spontaneously in the presence of oxygen. The chemical decomposition of DCA has been studied in order to understand the role of the decomposition products for the toxic effects of DCA. Seven compounds were identified by their mass spectra and by comparison with authentic reference materials. Among these were phosgene, hexachlorobutadiene, and other reactive products (e.g., trichloroacetyl chloride and trichloroacryloyl chloride), which may explain, in part, the toxicity of DCA.