2-propyl methylphosphonochloridate

Chemical Properties

Cyclosarin (GF) is a liquid nerve agent/organ- ophosphate containing fluoride. GF is a colorless liquid. The odor is variously described as nondescript, sweet, fruit- like. Odor threshold is about 12 milligram per cubic meter.

Potential Exposure

A quick-acting and lethal cholinester- ase inhibitor and casualty agent. Females appear to be more susceptible to nerve agent effects. Small percentages of general population have genetic traits that may increase susceptibility.

Shipping

UN2810 Toxic liquids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required.

Incompatibilities

Fairly stable. Cyclo-sarin (GF) is hydro- lyzed by water; rapidly hydrolyzed in the presence of heat and alkalies; by dilute solution of aqueous sodium hydrox- ide. Contact with alkaline conditions produce isopropyl alcohol and polymer substances. Contact with acid condi- tions produce HF; alkaline conditions produce isopropyl alcohol and polymers. Reasonably stable when stored in steel at normal temperatures; slightly corrosive to steel when heated.

Waste Disposal

Principles and methods for destruction of chemical weapons: “Destruction of chemical weapons” means a process by which chemicals are con- verted in an essentially irreversible way to a form unsuitable for production of chemical weapons, and which in an irreversible manner renders munitions and other devices unusable as such. Each nation shall determine how it shall destroy chemical weapons, except that the following processes may not be used: dumping in any body of water, land burial or open-pit burning. It shall destroy chemical weapons only at specifically designated and appropriately designed and equipped facilities. Each nation shall ensure that its chemical weapons destruction facilities are con- structed and operated in a manner to ensure the destruction of the chemical weapons; and that the destruction process can be verified under the provisions of this Convention. (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons; Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and Their Destruction). Grossly liquid-contaminated materials should be decontaminated and containerized and labeled in accordance with DOT and EPA requirements as a hazwaste. Wastewater solution from decon should be analyzed to ensure no residual agent is present. The National Response Plan, ESF-3 designates United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as the primary agency to manage con- taminated debris. USACE and the Department of Defence (DOD) typically use safety procedures prior to transport that include “head space” (off gas) monitoring around containers prior to shipment to ensure no leakage/off-gassing. Typically waste will be transported in accordance with state require- ments to a designated disposal facility, such as a RCRA- permitted hazardous waste facility (typically an incinerator). Wastewater solution from the decontamination process will be analyzed to ensure no residual agent is present. It is likely that the solution will not contain residual agents and there- fore not need to be classified as a hazardous waste but sam- pling must be used to verify. Chlorinated wastewater may need to be treated/neutralized prior to disposal . United States munitions stockpiles of G-agent are/have undergone destruction/disposal in the states of Utah, Oregon, Arkansas, Alabama, and Kentucky. State/local plans to address poten- tial releases from United States Army properties are in place at these sites.

Raw materials

Preparation Products