Sarin (chemical formula: C₄H₁₀FO₂P), also known as O-isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate, is a highly toxic organophosphorus compound classified as a weapon of mass destruction. It is a colorless, odorless liquid that can evaporate into a gas, making it a potent chemical weapon. Sarin's development and subsequent use have been subjects of significant historical and ethical concern.
Sarin was first synthesized in 1938 by German chemists Gerhard Schrader, Otto Ambros, Gerhard Ritter, and Albert von der Linde at the chemical company IG Farben. The team was initially researching organophosphorus compounds to develop new insecticides. During their experiments, they discovered that one of their compounds, later named sarin, was highly toxic to insects and mammals. The compound was named by combining the first letters of the scientists' last names: Schrader, Ambros, Ritter, and von der Linde.
Recognizing its toxicity, the German military began to explore sarin's potential as a chemical weapon. However, despite producing significant quantities, Nazi Germany did not deploy sarin during World War II. Adolf Hitler reportedly refrained from using chemical weapons, including sarin, on the battlefield.
After World War II, both the United States and the Soviet Union recognized the strategic value of chemical weapons and began producing sarin for military purposes. The United States ceased regular production of sarin in 1957, although existing stockpiles were maintained and re-distilled until the 1970s. The Soviet Union continued production for several decades.
In 1953, a tragic incident occurred at the British chemical weapons testing facility at Porton Down, where a 20-year-old Royal Air Force engineer, Ronald Maddison, died after being exposed to sarin during a human experiment. The inquest, held in secret, initially returned a verdict of misadventure. However, in 2004, the inquest was reopened, and a jury concluded that Maddison had been unlawfully killed by the application of a nerve agent in a non-therapeutic experiment.
Sarin is an organophosphorus compound that inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to the accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses. This accumulation results in continuous nerve signal transmission, causing overstimulation of muscles and glands.
Symptoms of exposure include:
Miosis (constriction of pupils)
Salivation and lacrimation
Urination and defecation
Gastrointestinal distress
Emesis (vomiting)
Muscle twitching and seizures
Respiratory failure
Without prompt medical intervention, exposure to sarin can lead to death due to respiratory failure.
The use of sarin and other chemical weapons in warfare prompted international concern. In 1993, the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) was adopted, aiming to eliminate chemical weapons and prevent their use. The CWC entered into force in 1997, with signatory nations committing to the destruction of their chemical weapon stockpiles. As of the early 21st century, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) reported the destruction of over 70% of declared chemical weapon stockpiles.
Despite international treaties, sarin has been used in several recent conflicts:
Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988): Sarin was reportedly used by both sides during the conflict.
1995 Tokyo Subway Attack: Members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult released sarin gas in the Tokyo subway system, resulting in 13 deaths and over 1,000 injuries.
Syrian Civil War: Sarin has been used in multiple attacks, including the 2013 Ghouta attack and the 2017 Khan Shaykhun attack, leading to numerous casualties.
These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in enforcing chemical weapons bans and the potential for sarin's use in modern warfare.
Sarin's development from a pesticide to a chemical weapon underscores the dual-use nature of scientific research and the ethical responsibilities of scientists and governments. While international agreements like the CWC aim to eliminate chemical weapons, the persistence of sarin in global conflicts indicates the need for continued vigilance and enforcement of disarmament treaties.
Britannica. 2025. “Sarin.” Britannica. Accessed September 2025. https://www.britannica.com/technology/sarin.
The Guardian. 2017. “Sarin Used in April Syria Attack, Chemical Weapons Watchdog Confirms.” The Guardian, June 30, 2017. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/30/sarin-was-used-in-syria-khan-sheikhun-attack-says-chemical-weapons-watchdog.
Chemical & Engineering News. 2016. “Innovations in Science & Technology.” C&EN SciTech no. 09441. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/cen-09441-scitech2.