Octamethylpyrophosphoramide toxicity

Strychnine, which is detoxified by microsomal monooxygenase action, is more toxic to animals on low-protein diets, whereas octamethylpyrophosphoramide, carbon tetrachloride, and heptachlor, which are activated by monooxygenases, are less toxic. Phase II reactions may also be affected by dietary protein levels. Chloramphenicol glu-curonidation is reduced in protein-deficient guinea pigs, although no effect is seen on sulfotransferase activity in protein-deficient rats. 

Caution Octamethylpyrophosphoramide is very toxic (see Properties) and must be handled with great care. All work should be conducted in a vented hood rubber gloves and plastic aprons should be worn by all personnel. Typical symptoms of intoxication from this compound are abdominal cramps and diarrhea. A common symptom of acute intoxication is constriction of the pupils of the eyes. In case of accident leading to possible intoxication, get immediate medical attention. Atropine sulfate is a specific antidote. The checkers make it a practice to soak glassware that has been used for octamethylphosphoramide in a 20 per cent sodium hydroxide solution for 24 hours to destroy residues. 

Octamethylpyrophosphoramide, when very pure, is a colorless somewhat viscous oil with the following physical constants b.p. 120 to 122° at 0.5 mm. 154° at 2 mm. sp. gr., 1.09. Normally the color is yellow to amber. The compound is miscible with water, soluble in most organic solvents, and insoluble in higher aliphatic hydrocarbons. It is a very toxic substance with a MLD50 to white mice of 17 mg./kg. by intraperitoneal injection. 

Octamethylpyrophosphoramide, OMPA, (Me2N)2P(0)-0-P(0)(NMe2)2, is obtained if dimethyl-amine is used in place of ammonia in reaction (7.73). This colourless hygroscopic and very toxic compound has a melting point of 20°C and is ether-soluble. It can be distilled without decomposition and it is an effective insecticide if first absorbed by plants (Chapter 12.12). It is capable of forming numerous phosphoryl coordination complexes as, for example, Co(OMPA)3 CIO4, Cu(OMPA)2 CuCU, Fe(OMPA)3 (FeCUs. 

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