GS (IUPAC name: Cyclopentyl methylphosphonofluoridate), also known as G-agent S candidate No. 3 or EA-1246 (Edgewood Arsenal cryptonym), is an organophosphate nerve agent, part of a series of nerve agents "G-series".Samuel, John B.; Penski, Elwin C.; Callahan, John J.. Physical Properties of Standard Agents, Candidate Agents, and Related Compounds at Several Temperatures - Special publication Aug 1970-Sep 1982. ARMY ARMAMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMAND ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD CHEMICAL SYSTEMS LAB. 1983 May 01 It is a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with properties similar to other nerve agents. GS is structurally a derivative of the nerve agent sarin, being closely structurally related to GP. It is a derivative of its acyclic equivalent, 3-pentanyl methylphosphonofluoridate.
GS rapidly ages the acetylcholinesterase, exhibiting a rate approximately half that of soman and 60 times faster than its larger GF counterpart. GS was the third candidate in a series of 6 other organophosphonates, in which the vast majority are cycloalkyl/alkyl methylphosphonofluoridates, with the exception of GS-7, a derivative of the pesticide monitor.
References