Preparation of MgO and CaO nanoparticles for neutralization of mustard chemical warfare

Nano-sized metal oxides are absorbents of pollutants. They react with toxic chemical. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles are used in the dehalogenation of industrial wastes. MgO nanocrystals are used as a catalyst in many chemical reactions. In this research work, we prepared MgO nanoparticles by ultrasound-assisted hydrolysis of Mg(OCH3)2 in the presence of toluene. Commercially available Mg(OCH3)2 was used. The hydroxide gel was dried, and then calcined at 500°C for 4h, and nanosized MgO was collected. CaO nanoparticles were produced as the same procedure as MgO nanoparticles. Mustard chemical warfare was prepared by the reaction of between ethylene and sulfur chloride according the following chemical equation