tabun

Tabun is a highly toxic organophosphate nerve agent (chemical warfare agent) first synthesized in 1936 by German chemist Gerhard Schrader while researching insecticides. It was the first of the so-called G-series nerve agents and is also known by its military designation GA. Tabun acts as an irreversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), leading to accumulation of acetylcholine at synapses and neuromuscular junctions. This results in continuous stimulation of muscles and glands and can cause convulsions or death due to respiratory failure. Tabun is a clear to amber liquid with a faint fruity odor reminiscent of bitter almonds; it can be absorbed through inhalation or skin contact and is lethal even at low doses. It was produced on an industrial scale during World War II but has since been banned under the Chemical Weapons Convention[1][2][7][8].

Other names

O-ethyl N,N-dimethyl phosphoramidocyanidatePhosphoramidocyanidic acid dimethyl-, ethyl esterDimethylamidoethoxyphosphoryl cyanideEthyl dimethylamidocyanophosphateEthyl dimethylphosphoramidocyanidateDimethylaminocyanphosphorsaeureaethylesterDimethylphosphoramidocyanidic acid ethyl esterEthyl N,N-dimethylphosphoramidocyanidateEthyl N,N-dimethylamino cyanophosphateGelan ILe-100Le100Le 100Taboon ATrilon 83[10]