Characterization and Study on Fragmentation Pathways of a Novel Nerve Agent, ‘Novichok (A234)’, in Aqueous Solution by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

As a first step toward studying the properties of Novichok (ethyl (1-(diethylamino)ethylidene)phosphoramidofluoridate (A234)), we investigated its degradation products and fragmentation pathways in aqueous solution at different pH levels by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A234 was synthesized in our laboratory and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Three sets of aqueous samples were prepared at different pH levels. A stock solution of A234 was prepared in acetonitrile at a concentration of 1 mg/mL and stored at −20 °C until use. Aqueous samples (0.1 mg/mL) were prepared by diluting the stock solution with deionized water. The acidic aqueous sample (pH = 3.5) and basic aqueous sample (pH = 9.4) were prepared using 0.01 M acetic acid and 0.01 M potassium carbonate, respectively. The analysis of the fragmentation patterns and degradation pathways of A234 showed that the same degradation products were formed at all pH levels. However, the hydrolysis rate of A234 was fastest under acidic conditions. In all three conditions, the fragmentation pattern and the major degradation product of A234 were determined. This information will be applicable to studies regarding the decontamination of Novichok and the trace analysis of its degradation products in various environmental matrices.