Fluorimetaanina

Fluorimetaanina, also known as fluoroacetamide, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH₂FCONH₂. It is a derivative of fluoroacetic acid, where the carboxyl group has been converted into an amide. This compound is notable for its high toxicity, primarily due to its ability to inhibit cellular respiration by interfering with the citric acid cycle.

Fluorimetaanina was first synthesized in the 1940s as part of research into potential herbicides and rodenticides. Its toxicity arises from its structural similarity to acetate, a key metabolic intermediate in living organisms. Once ingested, fluorimetaanina is metabolized into fluoroacetate, which then enters the citric acid cycle as fluorocitrate. This compound disrupts the cycle by inhibiting the enzyme aconitase, leading to the accumulation of citrate and the depletion of ATP, ultimately causing cellular energy failure and death.

Due to its extreme lethality, fluorimetaanina has been classified as a chemical warfare agent and is regulated under international treaties such as the Chemical Weapons Convention. Its use is restricted to controlled scientific or industrial applications, where strict safety protocols must be followed. The compound is rarely encountered outside specialized laboratories or historical military research contexts.

Symptoms of exposure to fluorimetaanina include rapid onset of weakness, tremors, seizures, and respiratory distress, often leading to death within hours. There is no known antidote, and treatment focuses on supportive care. Its high toxicity and potential for misuse have limited its practical applications beyond research.