Organophosphorus nerve agents persistency

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. 

Chemical/Pharmaceutical/Other Class Persistent anticholinesterase compound or sulfonated organophosphorus (OP) nerve agent... 

Cl 1H26NO2PS r.d. 1.01 m.p. -50°C b.p. 298°C. It is an organophosphorus compound and is probably one of the most toxic of all nerve ents. VX was discovered in 1952 at the Porton Down research station in Wiltshire. VX is the best known of the V-seties of nerve agents (the V denotes very high persistence in the environment). Other, lesser known, members of the series include VG and VM, which are both organophosphorus compounds related to VX. 

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