Publications

Sub-Equimolar Hydrolysis and Condensation of Organophosphates

Alam, Todd M.; Kinnan, Mark K.; Wilson, Brendan W.; Wheeler, David R.

The in-situ hydrolysis and subsequent condensation reaction of the chemical agent simulant diethyl chlorophosphate (DECP) was characterized by high-resolution 31P NMR spectroscopy following the addition of water in sub-equimolar concentrations. The identification and quantification of the multiple pyrophosphate and larger polyphosphate chemical species formed through a series of self-condensation reactions are reported. The DECP hydrolysis kinetics and distribution of breakdown species was strongly influenced by the water concentration and reaction temperature.