VX nerve gas. Molecular model of the nerve gas VX, or Ethyl S-[2-diisopropylaminoethyl]- methylphosphonothioate. It has the formula ()

---

VX nerve gas. Molecular model of the nerve gas VX, or Ethyl S-[2-diisopropylaminoethyl]- methylphosphonothioate. It has the formula (). The atoms are shown as spheres and are colour-coded: carbon (purple), hydrogen (white), nitrogen (blue), oxygen (red), phosphorus (green) and sulphur (yellow). VX is a synthetic compound used in chemical weapons. It belongs to a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors, which block the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. They cause muscle spasms and death through respiratory failure. VX can be absorbed through the skin, and may remain active for weeks after deployment.

---

Size: 3300px × 2829px
Photo credit: © PROF. K.SEDDON & DR. T.EVANS, QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY BELFAST/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: acetylcholinesterase, chemical, chemistry, compound, compounds, gas, graphic, inhibitor, model, molecular, molecule, molecules, nerve, organic, organophosphate, vx, weapon