Precisely predicting the (1)H and (13)C NMR chemical shifts in new types of nerve agents and building spectra database

DFT-Spectroscopy Integrated Identification Method on Unknown Terrorist Chemical Mixtures by Incorporating Experimental and Theoretical GC-MS, NMR, IR, and DFT-NMR/IR Data

In the event of a chemical attack, the rapid identification of unknown chemical agents is critical for an effective emergency response and treatment of victims. However, identifying unknown compounds is difficult, particularly when relying on traditional methods such as gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS, LC-MS). In this study, we developed a density functional theory and spectroscopy integrated identification method (D-SIIM) for the possible detection of unknown or unidentified terrorist materials, specifically chemical warfare agents (CWAs). The D-SIIM uses a combination of GC-MS, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculation-based NMR/IR predictions to identify potential CWA candidates based on their chemical signatures. Using D-SIIM, we successfully verified the presence of blister and nerve agent simulants in samples by excluding other compounds (ethyl propyl sulfide and methylphosphonic acid), which were predicted to be candidates with high probability by GC-MS. The findings of this study demonstrate that the D-SIIM can detect substances that are likely present in CWA mixtures and can be used to identify unknown terrorist chemicals.

A-agents, misleadingly known as "Novichoks": a narrative review

"Novichok" refers to a new group of nerve agents called the A-series agents. Their existence came to light in 2018 after incidents in the UK and again in 2020 in Russia. They are unique organophosphorus-based compounds developed during the Cold War in a program called Foliant in the USSR. This review is based on original chemical entities from Mirzayanov's memoirs published in 2008. Due to classified research, a considerable debate arose about their structures, and hence, various structural moieties were speculated. For this reason, the scientific literature is highly incomplete and, in some cases, contradictory. This review critically assesses the information published to date on this class of compounds. The scope of this work is to summarize all the available and relevant information, including the physicochemical properties, chemical synthesis, mechanism of action, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and medical countermeasures used to date. The environmental stability of A-series agents, the lack of environmentally safe decontamination, their high toxicity, and the scarcity of information on post-contamination treatment pose a challenge for managing possible incidents.