Final answer:
A standard decontamination reagent that reacts violently with liquid mustard agent is a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Such a reaction between the strong base and the mustard agent is highly exothermic and can be hazardous.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of standard decontamination reagent that reacts violently with liquid mustard agent is a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Mustard agents are alkylating agents that can cause severe blistering and damage to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes upon exposure. When a strong base, like NaOH, comes into contact with mustard agents, it can lead to a highly exothermic and violent reaction.
During decontamination processes, especially in the military or in chemical disaster management, it is crucial to avoid such violent reactions to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment. Therefore, appropriate decontamination protocols and agents must be chosen carefully to avoid exacerbating hazardous situations.
Reactive household products like concentrated sulfuric acid and bleach are strong oxidizing agents or bases that can also react with mustard agents. In the context of decontaminating mustard gas, which is a toxic chemical weapon, strong bases like 1 N NaOH are sometimes recommended for cleaning contaminated skin.