What is the chemical difference between OC spray and CS tear gas?

• A. OC is a capsaicinoid-based oil-soluble irritant; tear gases CS/CN are volatile irritants
• B. OC is water-soluble; tear gas is volatile
• C. OC acts via photosensitivity; tear gas via heat
• D. OC is a nerve agent; tear gas is a pigment irritant

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that OC spray and CS tear gas differ in chemistry and how they behave physically. OC spray uses capsaicinoids, such as capsaicin, which are oil-soluble irritants dissolved in an oily carrier. Because they’re lipophilic, they cling to skin and mucous membranes and burn by activating sensory nerve receptors, producing a burning, long-lasting irritation rather than a quick gas effect. CS tear gas, on the other hand, is a volatile irritant that readily becomes a gas or fine aerosol, quickly contacting the eyes, nose, and throat to cause tearing and irritation but tends to clear faster as it evaporates and is washed away. So the best answer highlights that OC is a capsaicinoid-based oil-soluble irritant, while CS/CN tear gases are volatile irritants.