Chloramine-T is the organic compound with the formula CH3C6H4SO2NClNa. Both the anhydrous salt and its trihydrate are known. Both are white powders. Chloramine-T is used as a reagent in organic synthesis.[2] It is commonly used as cyclizing agent in the synthesis of aziridine, oxadiazole, isoxazole and pyrazoles.[3] It's inexpensive, has low toxicity and acts as a oxidizing agent. In addition, it also acts as a source of nitrogen anions and electrophilic cations. It may undergo degradation on long term exposure to atmosphere such that care must be taken during its storage.
Reactions
Chloramine-T contains active (electrophilic) chlorine. Its reactivity is similar to that of sodium hypochlorite. Aqueous solutions of chloramine-T are slightly basic (pH typically 8.5). The pKa of the closely related N-chlorophenylsulfonamide C6H5SO2NClH is 9.5.[2]
It is prepared by oxidation of toluenesulfonamide with sodium hypochlorite, with the latter being produced in situ from sodium hydroxide and chlorine (Cl2):[2]
It converts iodide to iodine monochloride (ICl). ICl rapidly undergoes electrophilic substitution predominantly with activated aromatic rings, such as those of the amino acid tyrosine. Thus, chloramine-T is used to incorporate iodine into peptides and proteins. Chloramine-T together with iodogen or lactoperoxidase is commonly used for labeling peptides and proteins with radioiodine isotopes.[6]
Disinfectant
Chloramine-T has a long history as a hospital disinfectant. It is effective against e.g. hepatitis and HI viruses.[7] Unlike the more common sodium hypochlorite, chloramine-T is mildly basic, almost odorless and is not a bleaching agent.[8]
Safety
Chloramine-T is harmful if swallowed. It is corrosive on skin, eyes or mucous membranes. It releases toxic chlorine gas upon reaction with acids. It is water-soluble and thus can be released to the environment dissolved in water. It is a known sensitizer.[9] Chloramine-T has been observed to cause occupational asthma and flu-like symptoms.[7][10]
^ abcCampbell, Malcolm M.; Johnson, Graham. (1978). "Chloramine T and Related N-halogeno-N-metallo reagents". Chemical Reviews. 78: 65–79. doi:10.1021/cr60311a005.
^Bodkin, J. A.; McLeod, M. D. (2002). "The Sharpless asymmetric aminohydroxylation". J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans. 1. 2002 (24): 2733–2746. doi:10.1039/b111276g.
M. Shetty, T. B. Gowda (2004). "A Study of Substituent Effect on the Oxidative Strengths of N-Chloroarenesulphonamides: Kinetics of Oxidation of Leucine and Isoleucine in Aqueous Acid Medium". Zeitschrift für Naturforschung. 59: 63–72. doi:10.1515/znb-2004-0110. S2CID46154131.