shell explodes in Iraq - or does it? While sources are reporting that a shell filled with sarin "misfired" earlier today, the chemistry of sarin gas leads to believe otherwise. According to
agonist, sarin has an exceedingly short shelf life. To extend it, Iraq made
binary bombs that contained only one component. The secondary component needed to be added at the last minute - by hand! In other words, the "botched" sarin shell likely contained only
isopropynol - which we use in a mildly diluted form as
rubbing alcohol
discuss ...