How the Nazis Invented Nerve Agents like Sarin (IMAGE)

American Chemical Society

How the Nazis Invented Nerve Agents like Sarin

Caption

Nerve agents are arguably the most brutal chemical weapons. These infamous compounds, which include sarin gas and VX, originated in Nazi Germany when a chemist was trying to develop a more effective insecticide. Marrying the element phosphorus with cyanide derivatives resulted in a poison so deadly it was named "Tabun," derived from the German word for "taboo." Learn more about the history of nerve agents in the latest Speaking of Chemistry: https://youtu.be/3te1o6dYmLI.

Credit

The American Chemical Society

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.