Nerve agents physical properties

Properties. Some physical properties of nerve agents are given in Table 2. The G-agents, miscible in both polar and nonpolar solvents, hydrolyze slowly in water at neutral or slightly acid pH and more rapidly under strong acid or alkaline conditions. The hydrolysis products are considerably less toxic than the original agent. 

Vultacs, 23 644 Vuorelaineite, 6 471t VX nerve agent, 5 819 physical properties, 5 820t... 

TABLE 6.1. Physical and chemical properties of organophosphorous nerve agents... 

Carbamate Nerve Agents may be liquids or solids and have little or no odor. Various solvents can be added to dilute the agents changing both their appearance and physical/chemical properties. Solvents may also dramatically increase the rate that agents penetrate the skin. 

Physical Properties. Tabun is a colorless compound, which is said to have a somewhat fmity odor. The odor changes with decomposition so that with lesser amounts of decomposition the odor of cyanide (like bitter almonds) is apparent, whereas with greater amounts the odor of dimethyl-amine (like fish) is apparent. Tabun s vapor pressure is the lowest of all the G agents (approximately 0.04 mm Hg at 20°C). This suggests that tabun could be a relatively persistent threat at lower temperatures. Tabun has a vapor density of 5.6 relative to air and a liquid density of 1.08 g/mL (25°C). Its mp is —50°C, and its bp is approximately 240°C. It is three times as water soluble (approximately 10% at 20°C) as is VX, and also soluble in typical organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, diethyl ether, and chloroform). As with other nerve agents, dissolution in inert solvents (e.g., diethyl ether) enhances tabun s stability. 

II. Exposure to Nerve Agent in the Atmosphere The Impact of Physical Properties.234... 

II. EXPOSURE TO NERVE AGENT IN THE ATMOSPHERE THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES... 

Physical Properties of the Nerve Agents Relevant to Vapor Generation... 

TABLE I. Chemical and Physical Properties of Nerve Agents ... 

Molecular models of the nerve agents tabun, sarin, soman, and VX are shown in Figure 5-3. Table 5-3 summarizes the chemical, physical, environmental and biological properties of these compounds. 

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