Degradation of the chemical warfare agents HD, GD, thickened GD, and VX on ambient and moist environmental substrates

Issue title: Sensing and Destroying Chemical Weapons and Pesticides Based on the Symposium at the 238th American Chemical Society Meeting Washington DC, USA, August 18–19, 2009

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Brevett, Carol A.S. | Sumpter, Kenneth B.

Affiliations: SAIC, Gunpowder, Edgewood, MD, USA | Research and Technology Directorate, U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), Aberdeen Proving Ground, Edgewood, MD, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author. E-mail: carol.brevett@us.army.mil

Abstract: The rates, products, and mechanisms of the degradation of the chemical warfare agents GD, thickened GD, HD and VX on environmental substrates were determined using Solid State Magic Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SSMAS NMR). Increases in temperature were found to increase the rates of the reactions. The addition of water affected both the rate of the reactions and the products formed. The alkalinity or acidity of the substrate was also observed to affect the products formed and the mechanism of the reaction.

Keywords: VX, sulfur mustard, Soman, GD, sulfonium ion, thickened GD

DOI: 10.3233/MGC-2010-0024

Journal: Main Group Chemistry, vol. 9, no. 3-4, pp. 205-219, 2010