Adamsite or DM is an organic compound; technically, an arsenical diphenylaminechlorarsine, that can be used as a riot control agent. DM belongs to the group of chemical warfare agents known as vomiting agents or sneeze gases.

What is Adamsite made of?

Brief description. Adamsite is an arsenical organic compound belonging to the subgroup of incapacitating agents known as 'vomiting agents' or 'sneeze gases'. It was produced and stockpiled at the end of World War I, but never deployed on the battlefield.

What agent causes vomiting?

Under field condi- tions, vomiting compounds cause great discomfort to victims; when released indoors, they can cause serious illness or death. The principal vomiting agents are diphenylchloroarsine (DA), diphenylaminochloroarsine (DM; Adamsite), and diphenylcyanoarsine (DC). Chloropicrin also is a vomiting agent.