COUNTERMEASURES FOR CYANIDE: ORGANOMETALLICS AS NOVEL CYANIDE SCAVENGERS

The objective for this work is to identify and develop an intramuscularly delivered cyanide scavenger. This dissertation outlines in vitro methods which are used to evaluate platinum-based complexes for the potential to scavenge cyanide. Examples of the in vitro techniques used are HPLC, UV-Vis and an ion-selective electrode as orthogonal strategies to monitor cyanide scavenging. Intramuscular formulations for the active platinum-based scavengers are prepared and evaluated for stability. Subsequently, the formulations are tested by collaborating labs for in vivo efficacy. In addition, Sprague Dawley rat studies are employed to investigate the potential toxicity for several platinum complexes. Taken together, this dissertation outlines a short list of novel platinum-based cyanide scavengers as potential alternatives to legacy cobalt-based scavengers.