Oxidative Neutralisation of Sulfur-based Chemical Warfare Agents Mediated by a Lipase: from Batch to Flow Reactor

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.