What were the first nerve agent compounds known as?

The first nerve agent compounds were known as G agents. These agents, which emerged during World War II, represent a class of chemical warfare agents that are highly toxic to humans and can lead to severe physiological effects. G agents include well-known compounds such as sarin and tabun, which disrupt the normal function of the nervous system by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This inhibition leads to an accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses, resulting in continuous stimulation of muscles, glands, and the central nervous system, ultimately causing symptoms like respiratory failure and convulsions.

The designation "G" originally derived from the German word "Gift," meaning poison, and reflects both the German development of these agents and the lethality they present. The categorization of nerve agents into groups like the "G agents" helped to systematically classify different types of chemical agents based on their chemical structure and effects. Understanding this classification is crucial for recognizing the historical context and the ongoing implications of these harmful substances in terms of safety and military regulation.

By contrast, the other classifications, such as S Agents or M Agents, refer to different families or types of chemical agents that were developed later and do not include the original nerve agents developed during that early period.