What is "dimercaprol"

n. (context organic compound English) The mercaptan ''2,3-dimercaptopropanol'' used as an antidote to arsenic poisoning

Dimercaprol ( INN), also called British anti-Lewisite or British antilewisite (abbreviated BAL), is a medication for chelation therapy in metal toxicity, including heavy metal poisoning. Dimercaprol is used medically in the treatment of toxic metal poisoning by arsenic, mercury, gold, lead, antimony, and some other metals. In addition, it has in the past been used for the treatment of Wilson's disease, a genetic disorder in which the body tends to retain copper.

Its original name reflects its origins as a compound secretly developed by British biochemists at Oxford University during World War II as an antidote for lewisite, a now-obsolete arsenic-based chemical warfare agent. Dimercaprol is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, a list of the most important medication needed in a basic health system. Dimercaprol has long been the mainstay of chelation therapy for lead or arsenic poisoning, and it remains an essential drug. Nonetheless, because it can have serious adverse effects, researchers have also pursued development of less toxic analogues.