DETERMINATION OF O-ETHYL S-2-DIISOPROPYLAMINOETHYL METHYLPHOSPHONOTHIOATE (VX) BY THERMOSPRAY LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY MASS-SPECTROMETRY

The determination of the nerve agent O-ethyl S-2-diisopropylaminoethyl methylphosphonothioate (VX) by thermospray liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was studied. The solvent system acetonitrile-methanol-0.25 M ammonium acetate was used on a reversed-phase C18 column. By selected ion monitoring at the protonated molecular ion of VX (m/z 268), the predominant peak in its thermospray mass spectrum, an amount of 200 pg could be detected. For the determination of VX in water at levels below 1 ng/ml, preconcentration by C18 cartridges was investigated. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by the determination of VX in spiked river waters. A concentration of 0.1 ng/ml could be detected starting from a water sample of 50 ml. A second application concerned the analysis of water extracts of spiked soil samples.