Which chemical warfare agent is liquid at room temperature: Cyclosarin, Vx (VX), Tabun, or Sarin?

From the Guidelines

The correct answer is Vx (VX), as it is a nerve agent that is a liquid at room temperature 1. Vx is a highly toxic and persistent chemical warfare agent, with a median lethal dose of approximately 3-5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

Key Characteristics of Chemical Warfare Agents

• Vx (VX): liquid at room temperature, highly toxic and persistent 1
• Sarin (D) and Tabun (C): volatile nerve agents that are typically gases or vapors at room temperature 1
• Cyclosarin (A): volatile nerve agent with a higher vapor pressure than Vx 1 In contrast to Vx, Sarin and Tabun are more volatile and are typically gases or vapors at room temperature, while Cyclosarin is also a volatile nerve agent with a higher vapor pressure than Vx 1. The physical properties of these agents are crucial in determining the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers, as highlighted in the study by Hick et al 1.

From the Research

Chemical Warfare Agents

• The question asks to identify which chemical warfare agent is liquid at room temperature among Cyclosarin, Vx (VX), Tabun, or Sarin.
• According to the provided studies, VX is described as a highly toxic substance with no use that is of benefit to society 2.
• Additionally, VX is considered one of the most toxic, persistent, and least volatile nerve agents 3.
• The low volatility of VX suggests that it is likely to be a liquid at room temperature.
• In contrast, Sarin is known to be a highly volatile substance, which implies that it is likely to be a gas at room temperature.
• There is no direct information provided about the physical state of Cyclosarin and Tabun at room temperature in the given studies.
• However, based on the available information about VX, it can be inferred that VX is the chemical warfare agent that is liquid at room temperature 2, 4, 5, 3, 6.

Physical Properties of VX

• The studies provide information about the chemical properties and reactivity of VX, but do not explicitly state its physical state at room temperature.
• However, the fact that VX is described as persistent and least volatile suggests that it is likely to be a liquid at room temperature 3.
• The physical properties of VX, such as its boiling point and vapor pressure, are not provided in the given studies.
• Further research would be needed to confirm the physical state of VX at room temperature.

Comparison with Other Nerve Agents

• The studies compare VX with other nerve agents, such as Sarin and Tabun, in terms of their chemical properties and reactivity 4.
• However, there is no direct comparison of their physical states at room temperature.
• The information provided about the volatility of Sarin suggests that it is likely to be a gas at room temperature, whereas VX is likely to be a liquid.
• The physical states of Cyclosarin and Tabun at room temperature are not explicitly stated in the given studies.