How the Nazis invented nerve agents like sarin (video)

Learn more about the history of nerve agents in the latest Speaking of Chemistry video:

, --June 1, 2017

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WASHINGTON — 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."

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American Chemical Society, ACS is a congressionally chartered independent membership organization which represents professionals at all degree levels and in all fields of chemistry and sciences that involve chemistry.