CS gas is more potent than which other gas?

CS gas, or 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, is commonly used in riot control and as a tear gas, renowned for its ability to incapacitate individuals through extreme irritation of the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. The potency of CS gas in terms of its effectiveness as a chemical irritant surpasses that of chloracetophenone (CN), which was one of the first tear gases used but is less effective at lower concentrations compared to CS gas.

CS gas causes a more pronounced and immediate physiological response in individuals exposed to it than CN, making its incapacitating effects more reliable in scenarios such as crowd control. This heightened effectiveness is due to its stronger affinity for sensory receptors and its ability to evoke a more severe reaction.

In contrast, mustard gas, carbon monoxide, and ammonia serve different purposes and have varied effects. Mustard gas is primarily a blistering agent used primarily in warfare, carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that leads to asphyxiation rather than irritation, and ammonia is a pungent chemical irritant but is not classified in the same category of effectiveness for riot control. Thus, the comparison with CN highlights CS gas's unique potency in causing immediate irritation and incapacitation in people.