Diisopropyl fluorophosphate
Diisopropyl fluorophosphate[edit | edit source]
Chemical structure of Diisopropyl fluorophosphate
Diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) is a chemical compound with the formula (CH3)2CHO)2P(O)F. It is an organophosphorus compound that is commonly used as a nerve agent and as an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. DFP is highly toxic and poses a significant risk to human health.
Properties and Structure[edit | edit source]
DFP is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone, but insoluble in water. The chemical structure of DFP consists of a phosphorus atom bonded to two isopropyl groups, an oxygen atom, and a fluorine atom. The presence of the fluorine atom makes DFP highly reactive and toxic.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Nerve Agent[edit | edit source]
DFP is classified as a nerve agent due to its ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Nerve agents are highly toxic chemicals that disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system. DFP, when inhaled or absorbed through the skin, can cause a range of symptoms including blurred vision, respiratory distress, convulsions, and even death. It is important to handle DFP with extreme caution and follow strict safety protocols.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor[edit | edit source]
DFP is also used as a research tool and in laboratory settings as an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. By inhibiting this enzyme, DFP can be used to study the role of acetylcholine in various biological processes. However, it is crucial to handle DFP with care and follow appropriate safety measures to prevent accidental exposure.
Safety Precautions[edit | edit source]
Due to its high toxicity, DFP should only be handled by trained professionals in a well-equipped laboratory. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat, should be worn at all times when working with DFP. Proper ventilation and containment measures should be in place to prevent exposure to DFP vapors or spills. In case of accidental exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
