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TABUN

INTRODUCTION

Ethyl N,N-dimethyl phosphoramicocyanidate
Le100, Gelan, Stoff-83 and Trilon-83 (or T-83)
(CH₃)₂N-P(=O)(-CN)(-OC₂H₅)

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

Amber, non-persistent liquid that emits odor when vapourising,and is colorless.

MAIN EFFECTS

Tabun is essentially absorbed through the skin, although vapours can also be hazardous. If a person does not receive an immediate lethal dose, death will occur after approximately 20 minutes. People who did not accumulate a lethal dose but did not receive immediate appropriate medical treatment may suffer permanent neurological damage.

PRECURSORS

Key precursors: diethyl-N,N-dimethylphosphoramidate; N,N-dimethylamidophosphoryl dichloride
Precursors: phosphorous oxychloride; dimethylamine
Other chemicals: phosphorous trichlorides; potassium cyanide

COMMENTS

Tabun was the first nerve agent to be discovered. Dr Gerhard Schrader came across it in 1937 through his research into pesticides based on organophosphorus bonding. Tabun belongs to the G (erman)-class of nerve agent. The word 'Tabun' has no particular meaning and was reportedly made up by Dr Schrader to disguise the discovery. The first time Tabun or any other nerve agent was ever used in war was by Iraq against Iran in 1984. Subsequently, its use was confirmed repeatedly until the end of the war in 1988.

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