The development of an in-field rapid derivatisation technique for the analysis of chemical warfare agent degradants

The degradation of various toxic nerve agents in the environment has been documented throughout literature to result in the formation of methylphosphonic acid. The detection of this compound is used as an indication of previous use or production of such nerve agents, however for this detection to be possible methylphosphonic acid must first undergo derivatisation. This process, at its current stage, can be time consuming. To validate the need for alternative, faster methods, this literature review shall investigate the degradation of various nerve agents and current derivatisation processes. It was evident from the findings attained that a process in which derivatisation of methylphosphonic acid could be achieved quickly would be of great interest to forensic specialists