The sulfur-containing chemical warfare agents sulfur mustard HD and nerve agent VX are highly toxic and persistent in the environment. Therefore, their neutralisation requires harsh oxidation conditions, but also precise selectivity. Here we report the safe and effective detoxification of surrogates CEES and PhX by selective oxidation of the sulfur atom by generating peracetic acid from AcOEt and aq. H2O2 assisted by the supported lipase CALB. Morever, it is possible to perform these neutralisations with safe 'on demand' generation of AcOOH in a flow system by using a packed bed reactor containing the supported biocatalyst.

DFT-guided development of a compact flow ozone platform for the neutralization of sulfur mustard simulants.

An efficient and versatile protocol for the C-H sulfonylation of imidazoheterocycles via electrochemical activation was established under batch and flow conditions. The selective C-H bond functionalization proceeded under catalyst- and oxidant-free conditions and tolerated a wide range of functional groups. Various sodium sulfinates as well as imidazo[1,2-a]-pyridines, -pyrimidine, -quinolines, and -isoquinolines, imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine, imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles and benzo[d]imidazo[1,2-b]thiazoles reacted successfully. Interestingly, significant acceleration and higher yields were obtained under microfluidic conditions.