Which nerve agent is described as the most persistent and oily, remaining active for days?

Which nerve agent is described as the most persistent and oily, remaining active for days?

• A. Sarin
• B. VX
• C. Soman
• D. Tabun

Answer: (B)

Understanding persistence of nerve agents comes from looking at volatility and how they interact with surfaces and skin. VX is highly lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in fats and oils rather than water. That oily, lipid-loving nature lets VX cling to skin and to objects, and it resists environmental breakdown, so it can stay active for days under typical conditions. In contrast, sarin is very volatile and evaporates quickly, so its activity is short-lived. Soman has some persistence but is less oily and less stable than VX, and tabun sits between these in terms of both volatility and stability. Because of its oily, low-volatility profile and chemical stability, VX remains active the longest, aligning with the description of the most persistent nerve agent.

Understanding persistence of nerve agents comes from looking at volatility and how they interact with surfaces and skin. VX is highly lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in fats and oils rather than water. That oily, lipid-loving nature lets VX cling to skin and to objects, and it resists environmental breakdown, so it can stay active for days under typical conditions. In contrast, sarin is very volatile and evaporates quickly, so its activity is short-lived. Soman has some persistence but is less oily and less stable than VX, and tabun sits between these in terms of both volatility and stability. Because of its oily, low-volatility profile and chemical stability, VX remains active the longest, aligning with the description of the most persistent nerve agent.