Tabun (also known as GA, Trimethyl phosphonofluoridate, and GA) is an extremely toxic chemical compound classified as a nerve agent due to its ability to disrupt the transmission of nerve impulses. It was first synthesized in 1936 by German chemists, but its potential as a chemical weapon was not fully realized until later. The name "Tabun" is derived from the German word "Tabun," which translates to chaos or confusion in Hebrew as טבון. In Arabic, it is known as تابون, and in Russian as Зарин. Tabun is a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid that can be dispersed as an aerosol, making it highly effective as a weapon of mass destruction. Its toxicity is attributed to its inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Exposure to tabun can lead to symptoms such as convulsions, paralysis, and ultimately death due to respiratory failure. Due to its lethal nature, tabun is classified as a Schedule 1 substance under the Chemical Weapons Convention, meaning its production and stockpiling are strictly prohibited.
