Evaluation of the Temperature Sensitivity of the Lachrymatory Irritant 2-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Pyrotechnic compositions are mixtures of several components which, when ignited, undergo energetic chemical reactions at a controlled rate to produce on-demand delay times, amounts of heat, noise, smoke, light or IR radiation. In general, pyrotechnic compositions are easily ignited, burn quickly and produce residues that are very hot. 2-Chlorbenzalmalononitrile (CS) belongs to the category of riot control agents and is used in various pyrotechnic tear gas compositions.

The thermal characterization of tear pyrotechnic compositions is important for setting operating limits in the safety of the production process, storage, handling and even safe demilitarization.

In this sense, an experimental study was carried out to evaluate the behavior of CS at high temperatures, at different heating rates, by differential scanning calorimetry. Thermal changes were evaluated at a heating rate of 10, 20, 100 and 200^οC/minute. The remaining residue was extracted in a suitable organic solvent and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the detection, identification and confirmation of the products formed during the controlled heating processes.