Aqueous high‐temperature chemistry of organophosphorus compounds

Tripropyl phosphate, triethyl phosphonoacetate, triphenyl phosphate, diethyl 2‐methylbenzyl‐phosphonate, diethyl 1‐naphthylmethylphosphonate and diethyl (4‐biphenylmethyl)phosphonate were chosen as analogs of military nerve gases. The six organophosphorus compounds were treated in neutral superheated water at sub‐ and supercritical temperature. The products of hydrolysis were identified and the potential application of aquathermolysis for the detoxification of potent military warfare agents is outlined.