Synthesis and Molecular Properties of Nerve Agent Reactivator HLö-7 Dimethanesulfonate.

The threat of a deliberate release of chemical nerve agents has underscored the need to continually improve field effective treatments for these types of poisonings. The oxime containing HLö-7 is a potential second-generation therapeutic reactivator. A synthetic process for HLö-7 is detailed with improvements to the DIBAL reduction and ion exchange steps.

Structural Insights of Stereospecific Inhibition of Human Acetylcholinesterase by VX and Subsequent Reactivation by HI-6.

Over 50 years ago, the toxicity of irreversible organophosphate inhibitors targeting human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE) was observed to be stereospecific. The therapeutic reversal of hAChE inhibition by reactivators has also been shown to depend on the stereochemistry of the inhibitor. To gain clarity on the mechanism of stereospecific inhibition, the X-ray crystallographic structures of hAChE inhibited by a racemic mixture of VX (P ) and its enantiomers were obtained.

Mechanistic insights into the hydrolysis of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide: the expanded roles of sulfonium salts.

The hydrolysis of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide has been examined in an effort to better understand its mechanism under more concentrated conditions. Two salts formed during hydrolysis were synthesized, and an emphasis was placed on determining their effect on the reaction as it proceeded. Unexpected changes in mechanism were seen when excess chloride was added to the reaction.