Synthesis and mass spectral characterization of diisopropylamino-ethanethiol, -sulfides and -disulfides and vinyl sulfides

The sulfur containing chemical agent, O-ethyl-S-2-(diisopropylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothiolate (VX), is an extremely potent inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase and exhibits extended neurological effects. It undergoes degradation on standing alone or in the environment. Hence, identification of its primary degradation products assumes considerable importance. The synthesis and mass spectral fragmentation behavior of the title compounds, some of which are present in the VX degradation products, has not received much attention. This communication describes the synthesis and mass spectral characterization of the title compounds.