Fragile Fern – Cystopteris fragilis

by | Dec 9, 2023 | Ferns, NE Native Ferns

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Isopropyl aminoethylmethyl phosphonite (NATO designation QL), also known as O-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) O′-ethyl methylphosphonite, is a precursor chemical to the nerve agent VX and VR-56. It is a colorless liquid with a strong fishy odor, and is slightly soluble in water.[1]

Synthesis

QL is manufactured by the transesterification of diethyl methylphosphonite with 2-(diisopropylamino)ethanol.[2]

Uses in chemical warfare

QL is a component in binary chemical weapons, mainly VX nerve agent.[3] It, along with methylphosphonyl difluoride (DF), was developed during the 1980s in order to replace an aging stockpile of unitary chemical weapons.[3] QL is listed as a Schedule 1 chemical by the Chemical Weapons Convention.[4]

Toxicity

QL itself is a relatively non-toxic chemical.[5] However, when reacting with sulfur, the corresponding sulfide of QL isomerizes into the highly toxic VX molecule.[3][5]

References

  1. ^ "Isopropyl aminoethylmethyl phosphonite". PubChem.
  2. ^ "Isopropyl aminoethylmethyl phosphonite". PubChem.
  3. ^ a b c National Research Council, et al. Systems and Technologies for the Treatment of Non-stockpile Chemical Warfare Materiel, (Google Books), National Academies Press, 2002, p. 14, (ISBN 0309084520), accessed October 21, 2008.
  4. ^ "Schedule One Chemicals", Chemical Weapons Convention Archived 2012-01-03 at the Wayback Machine, US Government website, Retrieved November 15, 2008.
  5. ^ a b Croddy, Eric and Wirtz, James J. Weapons of Mass Destruction: An Encyclopedia of Worldwide Policy, Technology, and History, (Google Books), ABC-CLIO, 2005, p. 238, (ISBN 1851094903), accessed October 21, 2008.
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