Question

Which of the following represents the poisonous gas which caused the tragedy in Bhopal in 1984
A.$C{H_3}C = N = S$
B.$C{H_3} - N = C = O$
C.$C{H_3} - N = C = S$
D.$C{H_3} - O - N = C$

Answer 1

Hint: To answer this question, you should recall the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. This tragedy happened on the night of 2 December 1984 at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal led to the deaths of about 4000 people. It involved the gas isocyanide.

Complete step by step answer:
Union Carbide India Limited was a pesticide plant which manufactured the pesticide carbaryl. UCIL manufactured carbaryl using methyl isocyanate (MIC) as an intermediate. Although there are other methods to produce the end-product, they cost more. MIC is a highly toxic chemical and extremely dangerous to human health. Around midnight of 2 December 1984, residents of Bhopal surrounding the pesticide plant began to feel the irritating effects of MIC. Such accidents are significant in terms of loss of lives, suffering, pain, injuries, damage to environment and property and loss of lives. India continued to witness a series of chemical accidents even after Bhopal had demonstrated the vulnerability of the country. The structure of the following compound can be shown as :


Hence, the correct option is option B.

Note:
Consequences of the Bhopal Tragedy
Initial effects of exposure:
-Coughing
-Feeling of suffocation
-Severe eye irritation
-Burning in the respiratory tract
-Breathlessness
-Stomach pain and vomiting
-The stillbirth rate went up by 300% and the neonatal mortality rate shot up by 200%.
There were mass burials and cremations in Bhopal.
-Flora and fauna were also severely affected by a large number of animal carcasses being seen in the vicinity. Trees became barren within a few days. Supply of food became scarce due to fear of contamination. Fishing was also prohibited.