Organophosphorus nerve agents liquids

A. Miki, M. Katagi, H. Tsuchihashi and M. Yama-shita, Determination of alkylmethylphosphonic acids, the main metabolites of organophosphorus nerve agents, in biofluids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid-liquid-solid-phase-transfer-catalyzed pentafluorobenzy-lation, J. Anal. Toxicol., 23, 86-93 (1999). 

Pure sarin is a colourless and odourless liquid. It is hygroscopic and miscible with water in all proportions and very soluble in most organic solvents. It is the most volatile of the commonly encountered organophosphorus nerve agents. 

During the second half of the twentieth century, the development of organophosphorus nerve agents became coupled not just with their actual use, but with the threat of potential use in acts of terrorism and during war. Nerve agents such as Sarin, Soman and VX are often referred to as nerve gases despite the fact that they are liquids at room temperature. 

NERVE GAS. A misleading but frequently encountered term used for an organophosphorus nerve agent. The common organophospho-rus nerve agents tabun, sarin, soman, V-gas, and VX are liquids rather than gases under ambient conditions such as those to be expected in combat. The term nerve gas persists, but its use should be avoided. 

Nerve gases Probably the most widely stocked chemical agents liquid, gas or aerosol toxins belonging to the group of organophosphorus compounds, which are absorbed by the skin or lungs, usually within 20 to 30 minutes. 

Toxicity The agents GA, GB, and VX are rapidly acting, lethal nerve agents. They directly affect the nervous system and are toxic as liquids and vapors. They are organophosphorus esters that inhibit acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that prevents the accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the nerve synapses. When too much acetylcholine is present, convulsion and death may result. 

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