Chemical Properties
Sarin (GB), a nerve agent, is one of the most
toxic of the known chemical warfare agents. Exposure to
sarin can cause death in minutes. A fraction of an ounce
(1 to 10 mL) of GB on the skin can be fatal. GB is an
odorless, colorless, tasteless, nonflammable liquid @ 15 ℃
and 1 atm. GB has no warning properties, especially when
pure, and it can take away your sense of smell.
Potential Exposure
GB is used as a quick-acting chemical
warfare nerve agent; nerve gas. Both the liquid and the
vapor can kill you. Very small amounts can hurt you in one
minute or less, and can quickly lead to death. A single
drop, if vaporized, can kill everyone in a room ! Sarin is
26 times more deadly than cyanide gas and 20 times more
deadly than Potassium cyanide.
Shipping
UN2810 Toxic liquids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard
Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poison Inhalation Hazard, Technical
Name Required. Driver shall be given full and complete
information regarding shipment and conditions in case of
emergency. AR 50-6 deals specifically with the shipment
of chemical agents. Shipments of agent will be escorted in
accordance with AR 740-32. Passenger aircraft/rail:
FORBIDDEN; Cargo aircraft only: FORBIDDEN. The
packaging and shipping of samples are subject to strict
regulations established by the Department of
Transportation (DOT), Center for Disease Control, United
States Postal Service, OSHA, and International Air
Transport Association). Military driver shall be given full
and complete information regarding shipment and condi-
tions in case of emergency. AR 50-6 deals specifically with
the shipment of chemical agents. Shipments of agent will
be escorted in accordance with AR 740-32.
Incompatibilities
Attacks tin, magnesium, cadmium plated
steel; and some aluminums. GB decomposes tin, magne-
sium, cadmium-plated steel, and aluminum. Slightly corro-
sive to brass, copper, and lead. No attack on 1020 steel,
Inconel, and K-Monel. Hydrolyzed by water. In acid condi-
tions, GB hydrolyzes, forming hydrofluoric acid (HF).
Rapidly hydrolyzed by dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide
(NaOH), or sodium carbonate, forming relatively nontoxic
products of polymers and isopropyl alcohol. Contact with
metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
