QL (chemical)

Isopropyl aminoethylmethyl phosphonite, also known as O- '-ethyl methylphosphonite''', is a precursor chemical to the nerve agent VX and VR-56. It is a colorless liquid with a strong fishy odor, and is slightly soluble in water.

Synthesis

QL is manufactured by the transesterification of diethyl methylphosphonite with 2-(diisopropylamino)ethanol.

Uses in chemical warfare

QL is a component in binary chemical weapons, mainly VX nerve agent. It, along with methylphosphonyl difluoride, was developed during the 1980s in order to replace an aging stockpile of unitary chemical weapons. QL is listed as a Schedule 1 chemical by the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Toxicity

QL itself is a relatively non-toxic chemical. However, when reacting with sulfur, the corresponding sulfide of QL isomerizes into the highly toxic VX molecule.