Role of the P–F Bond in Fluoride-Promoted Aqueous VX Hydrolysis: An Experimental and Theoretical Study

Highly sensitive chemiluminescence sensors for the detection and differentiation of chemical warfare agents

Highly sensitive chemiluminescence-based probes that effectively detect and differentiate between the extremely toxic real G- and V-type organophosphorus chemical warfare agents (OPCWAs) are presented. This straightforward approach does not require any instrumentation or light source; hence, it appears ideal for the future development of field colorimetric detectors.

Towards catch-up therapy: evaluation of nucleophilic active pharmaceutical ingredients for the treatment of percutaneous VX poisoning, in-vial and in-vitro studies

Dermal exposure to low volatility organophosphorus chemical warfare agents (OP CWA) poses a great risk to the exposed person. Due to their lipophilic nature, these compounds rapidly absorb into the skin, leading to the formation of a "dermal reservoir" from which they slowly enter the bloodstream causing prolonged intoxication. Traditionally, strategies to counter the toxicity of such substances consist of chemical decontamination/physical removal of the residual agent from the skin surface (preferably as soon as possible following the exposure) and administration of antidotes in the case of intoxication signs. Hence, these strategies are unable to counter a substantial amount of the agent, which accumulates inthe dermal reservoir. More than a decade ago, the concept of a "catch-up therapy" intended to neutralize the dermal reservoir was suggested. Herein, we describe examples of potential "catch-up therapy" lotions - vehicles designed to deliver small nucleophilic molecules into the skin and potentially decompose the remaining CWA before it reaches the blood stream. Eleven nucleophilic compounds, based on approved drugs, were initially screened. They were then tested in various binary solutions, for their detoxification efficacy and degradation ability towards lipophilic OP CWA models such as dibutylphosphofluoridate and o-nitro-phenyl diphenyl phosphate, as well as the nerve agent VX, by means of kinetic ³¹P NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Of these, the potassium and diethyl ammonium salts of acetohydroxamic acid (AHAK and AHA DEA) in (DMSO/H₂O 1:4) were found to be the most active nucleophiles, hydrolyzing VX in practical time scales (t_1/2 = 5.28 and 6.78 min, respectively). The vehicle solution DMSO/H₂O 1:4 promoted the penetration of substantial amounts of AHA K and AHA DEA through excised pig skin in in-vitro studies, suggesting that such formulations may serve as useful CWA nucleophilic scavengers for both on and within -skin detoxification. These findings may pave the way to a more efficacious treatment against low volatility OP CWA percutaneous poisoning.

Selective detection of chemical warfare agents VX and Sarin by the short wavelength inner filter technique (SWIFT)

A novel SWIFT-based strategy for fluorimetric detection of practical amounts (minimal effective dose or lower) of chemical warfare agents is reported. This strategy employs readily available reagents and allows distinguishing between the V and G agents, as well as their discrimination from potential interferents.

Influence of cyclic and acyclic cucurbiturils on the degradation pathways of the chemical warfare agent VX

The highly toxic nerve agent VX is a methylphosphonothioate that degrades via three pathways in aqueous solution, namely through the hydrolysis of the P-O or P-S bonds, or the cleavage of the C-S bond at the 2-aminoethyl residue. In the latter case, an aziridinium ion and a phosphonothioate is formed. Here it is shown that acyclic or cyclic cucurbiturils inhibit these reactions in phosphate buffer at physiological pH and thus stabilise the nerve agent. When using unbuffered basic solutions as the reaction medium, however, in which the P-S or P-O bonds are normally hydrolysed preferentially, cucurbiturils turned out to strongly shift VX degradation towards the cleavage of the C-S bond. Cucurbit[7]uril, in particular, has a so pronounced effect under suitable conditions that it almost completely suppresses the formation of products resulting from the other degradation pathways. Investigations involving VX analogues in combination with computational methods suggest that one reason for the reaction control exerted by the cucurbiturils is the preorganisation of VX for aziridinium ion formation. In addition, cucurbit[7]uril also lowers the transition state of the reaction by stabilising the positive charge developing on the way to the product. Cucurbiturils thus have a marked effect on the reactivity of a highly toxic nerve agent, which potentially allows using them for decontamination purposes.

A theoretical study of the hydrolysis mechanism of A-234; the suspected novichok agent in the Skripal attack

A-234, [EtO–P( Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> O)(F)–NC(Me)–N(Et)₂], is the suspected A-type nerve agent used in the Skripal attack on the 4th of March 2018. Studies related to the structure and reactivity of this compound are limited. We, therefore, aimed at understanding the underlying hydrolysis mechanism of A-234 within the DFT framework. The attack of the water molecule can occur at the phosphinate and acetoamidine reactive centres. Our theoretical findings indicate that the hydrolysis at the acetoamidine centre is thermodynamically favoured compared to the hydrolysis at the phosphinate centre. The hydrolysis at the acetoamidine moiety may proceed via two pathways, depending on the nitrogen atom participating in the hydrolysis. The main pathway consists of four distinct channels to reach the final product, with the concerted 1,3-proton shift favoured kinetically and thermodynamically in the gas phase and water as solvent. The results are in good agreement with the literature, although some differences in the reaction mechanism were observed.

A theoretical study of the hydrolysis mechanism of A-234 [EtO–P(O)(F)–NC(Me)–N(Et)₂]; the suspected novichok agent in the Skripal attack.

Effective neutralization of chemical warfare agents (HD, VX) by Me-DABCOF: a small molecule with dual action

Me-DABCOF, a mild universal, non-corrosive, water-soluble decontamination agent that effectively neutralizes chemical warfare agents (HD, VX).

Degradation of Sulfur Mustard on KF/Al2O3: The Role of Organic Solvents and Active Species

Solvent effects on the ability of KF/Al₂O₃ supports to degrade the warfare agent sulfur mustard (HD) were explored. RP-KF/Al₂O₃ possessing hydroxide ions and ECUF/KF/Al₂O₃ holding fluoride ions were examined. Reactions on RP-KF/Al₂O₃ containing 10 wt % of organic solvents were faster than those on ECUF/KF/Al₂O₃. Additionally, RP-KF/Al₂O₃ led to elimination products, while ECUF/KF/Al₂O₃ mainly led to substitution derivatives. Enlarging the solvent amounts to 90 wt % resulted in decreased reaction rates. The significance of solvent identity/amount and active species is discussed.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity of Thermally Stable Anhydrous Quaternary Ammonium Fluorides

The synthesis and properties of a new class of anhydrous quaternary ammonium fluorides, based on the rigid skeleton azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, is described. Compounds 2a-d were easily prepared by passing the corresponding ammonium iodides over fluoride-based resin followed by drying their hydrated form at 100 or 140 °C under reduced pressure. The stability (experimental and theoretical study), solubility, reactivity, and characterization by solution and solid-state MAS NMR are discussed.

Solvent Effects on the Reactions of the Nerve Agent VX with KF/Al2O3: Heterogeneous or Homogeneous Decontamination?

Solvent effects on the reactions of the extremely toxic nerve agent VX with KF/Al2O3 powder were explored. Small quantities of water or methanol (5-10 wt %), which effectively mobilized all components while maintaining the heterogeneous nature of the reaction, promoted much faster rates than those obtained with larger quantities. Any amount of acetonitrile resulted in extremely slow transformations. Surprisingly, 5-50 wt % of heptane led to fast reactions due to the combination of its ability to mediate fast diffusion of VX and a MAS centrifugation effect.

Component mobility by a minute quantity of the appropriate solvent as a principal motif in the acceleration of solid-supported reactions

The effects solvents have on fluoride-promoted heterogeneous hydrolysis and alcoholysis of various organo-phosphorus (OP) compounds on the surface of KF/Al2O3 are described. Solid-state magic angle spinning NMR analyses and SEM microscopy have shown that not only is the identity of the solvent important in these reactions but also its quantity. That is, minimal solvent amounts are favored and much more effective in such solid-supported reactions (and maybe generally) than those featuring solvent-free or excess solvent (>50 wt %) conditions. The addition of a minute quantity of the correct solvent (3-10 wt %, molar equivalent scale) avoids reagents leaching from the matrix, permits mobility (mass transport) of the reaction components and ensures their very high local concentration in close proximity to the solid-support large porous surface area. Accordingly, significant acceleration of reactions rates by orders of magnitude is obtained. Fascinatingly, even challenging phosphoesters with poor leaving groups, which were found to be very stable in the presence of solvent-free KF/Al2O3 or wetted with excess water, were efficiently hydrolyzed with a minute amount of this solvent.

Polysaccharide-thickened aqueous fluoride solutions for rapid destruction of the nerve agent VX. Introducing the opportunity for extensive decontamination scenarios

Among the chemical warfare agents, the extremely toxic nerve agent VX (O-ethyl S-2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methylphosphonothioate) is a target of high importance in the development of decontamination methods, due to its indefinite persistence on common environmental surfaces. Liquid decontaminants are mostly characterized by high corrosivity, usually offer poor coverage, and tend to flow and accumulate in low areas. Therefore, the development of a noncorrosive decontaminant, sufficiently viscous to resist dripping from the contaminated surface, is necessary. In the present paper we studied different polysaccharides-thickened fluoride aqueous solutions as noncorrosive decontaminants for rapid and efficient VX degradation to the nontoxic product EMPA (ethyl methylphosphonic acid). Polysaccharides are environmentally benign, natural, and inexpensive. Other known decontaminants cannot be thickened by polysaccharides, due to the sensitivity of the latter toward basic or oxidizing agents. We found that the efficiency of VX degradation in these viscous solutions in terms of kinetics and product identity is similar to that of KF aqueous solutions. Guar gum (1.5 wt %) with 4 wt % KF was chosen for further evaluation. The benign nature, rheological properties, adhering capabilities to different surfaces, and decontamination from a porous matrix were examined. This formulation showed promising properties for implementation as a spray decontaminant for common and sensitive environmental surfaces.