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The VX nerve gas is the most well-known of the V-series of nerve agents. Its chemical name is O-ethyl S-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothioate.

The only countries known to possess VX gas are the US, France and Russia. VX gas is considered a weapon of mass destruction because of its property of spreading out as all gases do; for this reason it has been conjectured that its use may be a trigger for a thermonuclear retaliation.

VX has the texture and feel of high-grade motor oil, with low viscosity, and low volatility. This makes it especially dangerous: it has a high persistence in the environment. It works as a nerve agent by blocking the function of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Normally, an electric nerve pulse would cause the release of acetylcholine over a synapse that would touch the post-synaptic neuron. This continues the transmission of a nerve signal over the synapse. The excess acetylcholine is then hydrolyzed to non-reactive substances ( acetic acid and choline). VX blocks acetylcholinesterase's diffusing properties, thus causing nerves to fire continuously resulting in contractions of all the "involuntary" muscles in the body.

Often regarded as the deadliest nerve agents created to date, as little as 10 mg is enough to kill an average person. Death can be avoided if an autoinjector is used immediately after exposure. Standard chemical agent resistance pills are also effective. The most commonly used antidote in the form of an autoinjector is Atropine. Atropine works by binding and blocking the acetylcholine, so that the loss of the acetylcholinesterase function no longer causes a build up of acetylcholine. This prevents involuntary muscle actions and muscles like the diaphragmA diaphragm is some sort of separating membrane. This gives rise to several meanings: diaphragm (anatomy) diaphragm (mechanics) diaphragm (acoustics) diaphragm (contraception). would not be in constant contraction.

Researchers in Porton DownPorton Down is a United Kingdom government bio-chemical research facility, famous for its connection with chemical weapons and biological weapons research. It is near Salisbury in Wiltshire. It was originally set up in 1916 as a site for testing chemical, EnglandEngland is the largest, the most populous, and the most densely populated of the four " Home Nations" which make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). Occupying the south-eastern portion of the island of Great Britain, England in 1952Summary of notable events in 1952 . Events January events January 8 West Germany has 8 million refugees inside its borders. January 24 Sudden heavy snowfall in Algeria. January 24 Vincent Massey sworn in as first Canada-born Governor-General of Canada. invented the chemical; the British government later abandoned the project. In 1958Events January January 1 Treaty of Rome founding the EU is implemented January 4 Sputnik 1 falls to Earth from its orbit (launched on October 4 1957) January 8 14 year old Bobby Fischer wins the United States Chess Championship January 18 Armed Lumbee Nat the British government traded their research on VX technology with the United States of AmericaThe United States of America also referred to as the United States U. America ¹ or the States is a federal republic in central North America, stretching from the Atlantic in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. It shares land borders with Canada in in exchange for information on thermonuclear weapons. The US then went into production of large amounts of VX in 19611961 (As MAD Magazine pointed out on its first cover for the year) was the first "upside-down" year i. one that looked the same upside down since 1881, and the last until 6009. Events January January 1 The farthing coin, used since the 13th century, cease. The US is currently trying to destroy stockpiles of the deadly nerve agent (by incineration at Johnston Island in the South Pacific), as mandated by the US's accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention.

VX was featured in the 1996 action movie The Rock.