Surface-enhanced Raman spectra of VX and its hydrolysis products

Appl Spectrosc. 2005 May;59(5):654-60. doi: 10.1366/0003702053946100.

Abstract

Detection of chemical agents as poisons in water supplies not only requires microg/L sensitivity, but also requires the ability to distinguish their hydrolysis products. We have been investigating the ability of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect chemical agents at these concentrations. Here we expand these studies and present the SERS spectra of the nerve agent VX (ethyl S-2-diisopropylamino ethyl methylphosphonothioate) and its hydrolysis products, ethyl S-2-diisopropylamino methylphosphonothioate, 2(diisopropylamino) ethanethiol, ethyl methylphosphonic acid, and methylphosphonic acid. Vibrational mode assignments for the observed SERS peaks are also provided. Overall, each of these chemicals produces a series of peaks between 450 and 900 cm(-1) that are sufficiently unique to allow identification. SERS measurements were performed in silver-doped sol-gel-filled capillaries that are being developed as part of an extractive point sensor.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chemical Warfare Agents / analysis
  • Chemical Warfare Agents / chemistry
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Hydrolysis
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / analysis
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / chemistry
  • Organothiophosphorus Compounds / analysis*
  • Organothiophosphorus Compounds / chemistry*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / methods*
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / analysis
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemistry
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*
  • Water Pollution / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Organophosphorus Compounds
  • Organothiophosphorus Compounds
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • methylphosphonic acid
  • VX
  • ethanethiol