History of Organophosphorus Compounds in the Context of Their Use as Chemical Warfare Agents

This is a broad look at the history of phosphorus—from the element through its inorganic and organic compounds to the applications of organophosphates. In addition to commercial and peaceful applications, they were used as chemical warfare agents (CWA), both in military operations and for terrorist...

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Main Authors: Maciej Boczkowski, Stanisław Popiel, Jakub Nawała, Hubert Suska
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Molecules
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/7/1615
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author Maciej Boczkowski
Stanisław Popiel
Jakub Nawała
Hubert Suska
author_facet Maciej Boczkowski
Stanisław Popiel
Jakub Nawała
Hubert Suska
author_sort Maciej Boczkowski
collection DOAJ
description This is a broad look at the history of phosphorus—from the element through its inorganic and organic compounds to the applications of organophosphates. In addition to commercial and peaceful applications, they were used as chemical warfare agents (CWA), both in military operations and for terrorist purposes. This article attempts to provide a concise history of their development and application in this shameful role. The origin of the chemistry of phosphorus compounds to obtain precursors for the production of CWA is presented. Rapid progress in organophosphorus chemistry in the second half of the 20th century is also described. A broad overview of chemical structures is presented, including lesser-known representatives. The mode of action and the associated toxicity of organophosphorus compounds are briefly mentioned. The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) schedules and their changes during their validity are indicated. They are also demonstrated to be used in proficiency tests organised by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Organophosphates called “Novichok agents”, classified as fourth-generation chemical warfare agents, are also briefly discussed.
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spelling doaj-art-6a3df24575bc49bdac4855449ecb171a2025-08-20T03:03:21ZengMDPI AGMolecules1420-30492025-04-01307161510.3390/molecules30071615History of Organophosphorus Compounds in the Context of Their Use as Chemical Warfare AgentsMaciej Boczkowski0Stanisław Popiel1Jakub Nawała2Hubert Suska3Institute of Chemistry, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, PolandInstitute of Chemistry, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, PolandInstitute of Chemistry, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, PolandInstitute of Chemistry, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2, 00-908 Warsaw, PolandThis is a broad look at the history of phosphorus—from the element through its inorganic and organic compounds to the applications of organophosphates. In addition to commercial and peaceful applications, they were used as chemical warfare agents (CWA), both in military operations and for terrorist purposes. This article attempts to provide a concise history of their development and application in this shameful role. The origin of the chemistry of phosphorus compounds to obtain precursors for the production of CWA is presented. Rapid progress in organophosphorus chemistry in the second half of the 20th century is also described. A broad overview of chemical structures is presented, including lesser-known representatives. The mode of action and the associated toxicity of organophosphorus compounds are briefly mentioned. The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) schedules and their changes during their validity are indicated. They are also demonstrated to be used in proficiency tests organised by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Organophosphates called “Novichok agents”, classified as fourth-generation chemical warfare agents, are also briefly discussed.https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/7/1615organophosphorus compoundschemical warfare agentsChemical Weapon ConventionOPCWNovichoks
spellingShingle Maciej Boczkowski
Stanisław Popiel
Jakub Nawała
Hubert Suska
History of Organophosphorus Compounds in the Context of Their Use as Chemical Warfare Agents
Molecules
organophosphorus compounds
chemical warfare agents
Chemical Weapon Convention
OPCW
Novichoks
title History of Organophosphorus Compounds in the Context of Their Use as Chemical Warfare Agents
title_full History of Organophosphorus Compounds in the Context of Their Use as Chemical Warfare Agents
title_fullStr History of Organophosphorus Compounds in the Context of Their Use as Chemical Warfare Agents
title_full_unstemmed History of Organophosphorus Compounds in the Context of Their Use as Chemical Warfare Agents
title_short History of Organophosphorus Compounds in the Context of Their Use as Chemical Warfare Agents
title_sort history of organophosphorus compounds in the context of their use as chemical warfare agents
topic organophosphorus compounds
chemical warfare agents
Chemical Weapon Convention
OPCW
Novichoks
url https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/7/1615
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AT stanisławpopiel historyoforganophosphoruscompoundsinthecontextoftheiruseaschemicalwarfareagents
AT jakubnawała historyoforganophosphoruscompoundsinthecontextoftheiruseaschemicalwarfareagents
AT hubertsuska historyoforganophosphoruscompoundsinthecontextoftheiruseaschemicalwarfareagents