Vapor-Phase Infrared Spectral Study of Weapons-Grade O-Ethyl S-2(diisopropylamino)ethyl methylphosphonothiolate (VX)

Abstract

We report the infrared spectra of weapons-grade 0-ethyl-S-2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methylphosphonothiolate in the mid-infrared (4000-550/cm) region. The chemical used in the feedstock was obtained from a ton container and was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine its composition. Analysis of the data showed that the spectra were dominated by the volatile impurities in the VX, which were primarily acetone, 1,3-diisopropylcarbodiimide, and diisopropylamine. Concentrations of the compounds observed in the vapor were similar to the predictions made using Raoult's law. The availability of the absorptivity coefficients of most of the compounds found in the effluent enabled us to calculate a mass balance.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA562293

Entities

People

  • Alan C. Samuels
  • Barry R. Williams
  • Melissa S. Hulet
  • Ronald W. Miles Jr.

Organizations

  • Leidos

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Chemical Warfare
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Chemistry
  • Gas Chromatography
  • Magnetic Resonance
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Measurement
  • Nerve Agents
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
  • Partial Pressure
  • Phase
  • Resonance
  • Spectra
  • Spectrometry
  • Spectroscopy
  • Vapor Phases
  • Vapor Pressure

Readers

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Spectroscopy.