From experiment to theory: Molecular orbital parameters to interpret the skin sensitization potential of 5-chloro-2-methylisothiazol-3-one and 2-methylisothiazol-3-one

5-Chloro-2-methylisothiazol-3-one (MCI) and 2-methylisothiazol-3-one (MI) are the major constituents of the commercial biocide Kathon CG. These two compounds have both been shown to exhibit skin sensitization potential: MCI is classified as an extreme sensitizer while MI is classified as a moderate sensitizer. The purpose of the present investigation was to provide further insights into the chemistry underlying their skin sensitizing properties. First, a molecular modeling (in silico) study was carried out of the initial reaction pathways of MI and MCI with nucleophiles representative of those involved in the skin sensitization process, and we compared the findings with the reported chemical and allergenic properties of these compounds. These reaction pathways were assessed using molecular orbital calculations. A novel parameter, the activation energy (AE) index, is proposed and is calculated from a knowledge of the energy changes in the frontier molecular orbitals as the electrophile is converted to an anionic intermediate. The AE indices correspond to the reactivity of MCI and MI with nucleophiles and also their skin sensitization potential. Second, the previously unexplained formation of final reaction products from MCI and butylamine is discussed and a reaction mechanism is proposed. A key finding of this analysis is that the reaction produces positive chlorine in the form of N-chloro- and/or N,N-dichloro-butylamine, which could contribute to the skin sensitizing properties of MCI.