Application of Tert-Butyldimethylsilylation to Purity Analysis of VX by GC and GC/MS

摘要

This note demonstrates the application of tert-butyldimethylsilylation to the determination of purity of an organophosphorus chemical warfare agent. This new technique has the advantages of being easy, quick, and relatively nonhazardous, and allows detection and quantitation of alkyphosphonic acids down to picogram levels. Results from the gas chromatographic analysis of a VX sample using this derivatization technique and the corresponding nonderivatized standard are compared. The use of tert-butyldimethylsilylation as a routine technique for purity analysis of organophosphorus chemical warfare agents is recommended.