VX

The VX nerve gas is the most well-known of the V-series of nerve agents. Its chemical name is O-ethyl S-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothioate. The chemical formula is CH₃CH₂0-P(O)(CH₃)-SCH₂CH₂N(C₃H7)₂

Structural formula

Many countries, such as the US (and who?), fear that other nations, such as Iraq (and who?), have VX nerve gas with which to attack. VX gas is considered a weapon of mass destruction because of its property of spreading out as all gasses do.

To do: countries with VX, more on discovery of VX, uses of VX in wars, etc.

Researchers in Porton Down[?], England in 1952 invented the chemical. It works by blocking an enzyme that nerve endings use to stop firing, causing them to fire continuously resulting in contractions of all the "involuntary" muscles in the body. As little as 10 mg is enough to kill an average person.

See also: Nerve gas

External Links

• Oxford website on Nerve Gas (http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/mom/vx/VX.htm)

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