Synthesis of [¹⁴C] Sarin

Abstract

Abstract Synthetic routes for the synthesis of [ 14 C] sarin and related nerve agents are described. Triethyl phosphite and [ 14 C] methyl iodide are reacted in the Michaelis–Arbusov reaction to produce diethyl methyl phosphonate which is converted to methylphosphonic acid by hydrolysis. After chlorination and subsequent fluorination the final product is formed by reaction with the appropriate alcohol. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.