Organophosphate

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-008323",
  "term": "Organophosphate",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "An ester of phosphoric acid, characterized by a central phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, with one or more of the oxygens attached to an organic group. Many compounds in this class are potent neurotoxins that act by irreversibly inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, leading to an accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Due to this mechanism, they are widely used as insecticides and have also been developed as chemical warfare agents.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "acetylcholinesterase"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2015, 87, 841. 'IUPAC Glossary of terms used in neurotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2015)' on page 893 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2015-0103)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/organophosphate/"
}