Classification, Chemical, and Toxicological Properties of Carbamate Nerve Agents

Nerve agents are usually identified as exceedingly toxic organophosphate compounds like VX and sarin. Nevertheless, although carbamate nerve agents (CNAs) have been developed they constitute the least studied class of nerve agents outside military literature. Recently, CNAs gained popularity after the inclusion of a small subset of carbamate agents in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) list of Schedule 1 chemicals. Here, a holistic approach was used to identify and categorize the developed CNAs. It is demonstrated that CNAs encompass a highly diverse class of compounds. Their main characteristics include an aromatic group that carries the carbamate moiety. Based on their chemical structure, CNAs were categorized into two generations that are further divided into various subclasses. The second generation of CNAs includes some members that exhibit higher toxicity than VX. CNAs have not been used in any conflict, which may be related to their solid nature that requires sophisticated delivery systems. Since, however, CNAs can be applied as poisons in individualized cases, understanding their chemistry and toxicological properties is important for the development of effective countermeasures.