Organophosphates and their derivatives are dangerous compounds due to their popular use as nerve agents, compromising anywhere from 3-10% of the international pesticide poisoning deaths. Organophosphate nerve agents primarily act through the onslaught of paralysis and the complete loss of most bodily functions by covalently bonding to acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that allows the reuptake of acetylcholine and eventually leads to muscle contraction, among other functions. Consequentially, detection that is both accurate and precise at the micromolar scale is necessary for these compounds, as even 100 µΜ of many common organophosphates is enough to kill. In this study, we present the novel detection of Dimethyl chlorophosphate (DMCP), an organophosphate typically used as a nerve agent. Additionally, we are reporting more precise detection of Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) using Surface Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). As these nerve agents are used in areas without much technology and quick laboratory access, a large consideration in this project was to analyze DMMP/DMCP in “field conditions”. By field conditions, we mean simulating their use in a less technologically developed area by using portable instruments and water phase detection to aid in the simplicity and practicality of the detection method. Time and pH studies show that our detection method is both fast and facile, without any required field modifications.

Liquid phase SERS detection of DMMP and DMCP utilizing gold nanostars

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.