CHAPTER 7 – Russian VX

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the chemistry, analysis, toxicity, monitoring, and regulatory hygiene, and therapy of Russian VX nerve agent. One of the most abundant and most toxic chemical warfare agents in the chemical arsenals of the USA and Russia is VX and Russian VX respectively, whose development in the middle of the 20th century signified the peak of warfare chemistry. The arbitrary name VX relates to a group of O, S-diesters of methylphosphonic acid ROPO(CH3)S(CH2)2N(R1)2. V-gases are low-volatile liquids with high boiling points and, therefore, they are much more persistent than higher volatility organophosphorus (OP) agents of the G-series, such as sarin, soman, or tabun. V-series compounds are more toxic than OP nerve agents of the G-series. Poisoning occurs irrespective of route of exposure; specifically inhalation, ingestion of vaporous and liquid agents through intact or injured skin or eye mucosa, and on contact with contaminated surfaces. The most effective antidote complex for treating acute intoxications with RVX consists of an antagonist of M-cholinoceptors, a reversible inhibitor of cholinesterase, and a reactivator of cholinesterase. In addition, anticonvulsants can be used in cases where convulsions occur.