Abstract: | The sulfur mustard, HD, a chemical warfare agent, has been studied by ab initio quantum molecular computations (HF /6-31G * and 6-31G ) on its various forms (neutral, ethylene sulfonium, and free carbonium ions). The geometries of these molecules have been completely optimized and the minimal energy conformations determined with their associated charge distributions. We discuss these results on electrostatic properties with respect to the mechanism of DNA alkylation by HD and compare them with our previous study of the nitrogen mustard mechlorethamine. |