In organic chemistry, a mustard is type of chemical compound. Mustards have a central atom connected to two −CH2CH2Cl functional groups (haloethyl groups). They also include related compounds where one or more hydrogen atoms in this structure are replaced by other atoms or groups.
Mustard compounds are named because they have a similar smell to the mustard plant. They are not found in the plant or in the food mustard.
Mustards were first made to be chemical weapons, but are also used in chemotherapy to treat cancer.
The most important groups of mustards are the sulfur mustards and nitrogen mustards. There are other types, such as phosphorus mustards.
