Using mass spectrometry to determine the structures of chemical weapon compounds

The word Novichok means ‘newcomer’ in Russian. Novichoks are a family of nerve agents developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s to elude international restrictions on chemical weapons. However, Novichoks are not the only chemical weapons that present a threat to human life. In this activity you will look at the chemistry behind a number of chemical weapons that have been employed throughout history.

Use this worksheet alongside the Education in Chemistry article Freeing the world from chemical weapons.

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