Synthesis and mass spectral characterization of diisopropylamino-ethanethiol, -sulfides and -disulfides and vinyl sulfides

The sulfur containing chemical agent, O-ethyl-S-2-(diisopropylaminoethyl) m ethylphosphonothiolate (VX), is an extremely potent inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase and exhibits extended neurological effects. It underg oes degradation on standing alone or in the environment. Hence, identificat ion of its primary degradation products assumes considerable importance. Th e synthesis and mass spectral fragmentation behavior of the title compounds , some of which are present in the VX degradation products, has not receive d much attention. This communication describes the synthesis and mass spect ral characterization of the title compounds.