Degradation kinetics of VX on concrete by secondary ion mass spectrometry.
At trace coverages on concrete surfaces, the nerve agent VX (O-ethyl S-2-diisopropylaminoethyl methyl phosphonothiolate) degrades by cleavage of the P-S and S-C bonds, as revealed by periodic secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The observed kinetics were (pseudo-) first-order, with a half-life of 2-3 h at room temperature. The rate increased with surface pH and temperature, with an apparent second-order constant of k(OH) = 0.64 M(-1) min(-1) at 25 degrees C and an activation energy of 50-60 kJ mol(-1). These values are consistent with a degradation mechanism of alkaline hydrolysis within the adventitious water film on the concrete surface. Degradation of bulk VX on concrete would proceed more slowly.
Williams
John M
JM
Battelle Salt Lake City Operations, West Valley City, UT 84120, USA.
Rowland
Brad
B
Jeffery
Mark T
MT
Groenewold
Gary S
GS
Appelhans
Anthony D
AD
Gresham
Garold L
GL
Olson
John E
JE