Chloramine

CHLORAMINE. Chloramine T (miaine) [I], di-chloramine T[II], chloramine B[III], dichloramine B[IV], pantosept[V]: SO₃N Na Cl SO₃N Na Cl ⁴Cl SO₃N Na SO₂N< ,Cl Cl O-» O O«- O O SO₂N/ ⁴Cl ⁴Cl, CH₃ CH₃ COONa V Dichloramines T and B were first described in 1896 (Kastle, Keiser, Bradley), chloramines T and B in 1905 (Chattaway). They were introduced into medical practice for wound disinfection during the world war in 1916 (Dakin). Pantosept was first described in 1919 (M. Claasz) and began production in 1922, while the dichloramine-B-carboxylic acid itself was proposed by Dakin and Dunham in 1918 under the name Halazone. In the USSR, chloramines began to be used only in recent years, and chloramine B (synthesized by O. Yu. Magidson and I. G. Zilberg) aroused great interest here, which in its action is not inferior to, and in content of active chlorine somewhat surpasses, chloramine T. Chloramines T and B are white crystalline powders, soluble in water, alcohol and glycerin, insoluble in chloroform, ether and benzene. Active chlorine in chloramine T is 12.6%, in chloramine B-13.3%. The chlorine content in commercial preparations varies within ±0.5%. In dry form and when stored away from light, these preparations are very stable, and within a year the content of active chlorine does not change. In aqueous solutions their stability is significantly lower, but in concentrated solutions when stored away from light, the loss of active chlorine within 10-15 days is small. Dichloramines T and B are fine white powders, insoluble in water. Melting point of dichloramine T is 78-84° (of chemically pure preparation 83°), of dichloramine B-72-76°. The content of active chlorine in dichloramine T is 29.6%, in dichloramine B-31.4%. In commercial preparations, the chlorine content is 0.5-1.5% lower. Pantosept is produced industrially in the form of sodium salt or in the form of acid HOOC-C₆H₄-SO₂NC1₂ (halazone), which itself is slightly soluble in water, but easily dissolves in aqueous solutions of soda, forming a sodium salt easily soluble in water. Pantoseptic acid is a fine white powder with melting point 213°, with 26.3% active chlorine content. In commercial preparations, the chlorine content is 0.5-2% lower. Pantosept, like other chloramines, is better preserved in dry form and away from light. The action of chloramines is based on their content of active chlorine; the antiseptic action of the latter is enhanced by the presence of an aromatic nucleus. Unlike inorganic preparations of active chlorine (chlorinated lime, Dakin's solution), they are more stable and easily dosed. Dakin explained the strong antiseptic action of hypochlorites on wounds with their comparatively weak action in vitro by the fact that when hypochlorite (e.g. NaOCl) interacts with blood proteins, substances of the chloramine type are formed, and it is they that act destructively on bacteria. Sterilizing index: a 0.5% solution of chloramine T sterilizes a culture of Bact. coli within 1 min., staphylococci- within 30 min. Unlike hypochlorites (Javelle water, chlorinated lime), chloramines do not corrode wounds, causing neither necrosis nor tissue liquefaction. In ophthalmic practice, eye drops or lotions of 0.1% are usually used. For hand sterilization-0.5-1.5% solutions; for injections and douches (gonorrhea, vaginitis)-0.2-0.5% solutions. Abroad, sterile dressings, gauze and bandages impregnated with 5% solution of chloramine T, as well as ready-made ointments (chloramine T 2.0, sodium stearate 8.0, distilled water to 100.0-dissolve by heating) have been released. These forms are used for burns, for accidental and combat injuries from poisonous substances. For decontamination of suspicious water, the addition of 10-20 mg of chloramine T with acidification of the water (with citric acid) is proposed; within 30 min.-2 hours, heavily contaminated water becomes suitable for drinking from the standpoint of sterility (Techoueyres et Pillement, Bunau-Varilla). Dichloramines are used in the form of powders. As disinfectants, chloramines can be used instead of mercuric chloride, lysol, carbolic acid, etc. Monochloramines are usually used in 0.1-0.5% aqueous solutions; for disinfection of instruments, patients' belongings, tuberculosis departments, etc., stronger solutions are used, from 0.5 to 5%. Pantosept in the form of tablets, containing 4 mg of pantoseptic acid, 4 mg of soda and 92 mg of table salt per tablet, is used for decontaminating contaminated water (1 tablet per 0.5 to 1 liter of water). According to some data, during the imperialist war, chloramines were used to combat burns from mustard gas. Due to their energetic chlorinating action, chloramines convert most poisonous substances into compounds with reduced toxicity, while beneficially affecting the wound surface (antiseptic, acceleration of granulation); chloramines themselves, unlike hypochlorites, are not harmful or caustic. Dichloramines can also be used in these cases in the form of powders, ointments or dressings, monochloramines also in solutions (1-4%). Chloramines find application as bleaching agents in the textile and paper industries. Chloramines are also used in analytical chemistry as very stable preparations of active chlorine.