Abstract
A series of [alpha][omega] -dithiols from ethane to dodecane and butane-, hexane-, heptane-, 2-ethylhexanethiol, were synthesized and tested for antidotal efficiency against the pyruvate oxidase system of pigeon brain inhibited by lewisite.. The dithiols were all very effective, the monothiols ineffective. These results support the hypothesis that arsenical toxicity depends on the formation of cyclic thio-arsinites; the [alpha][omega]-dithiols form cyclic thioarsinites of greater stability.
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