OCAD (OPCW Central Analytical Database)
Definition
The OPCW's reference library of confirmed GC-MS and NMR spectra for all scheduled chemicals and their degradation products, used by Designated Laboratories for identification confirmation.
- Full form
- OPCW Central Analytical Database
- Content
- Confirmed GC-MS and NMR spectra of scheduled chemicals and degradation products
- Used by
- OPCW Designated Laboratories
- Purpose
- Identification confirmation
Common questions
Why does OPCW require spectral matches against OCAD rather than accepting a lab's own reference library?+
Using a single centrally maintained and independently validated database ensures every Designated Laboratory confirms an identification against the same authoritative reference spectra, which supports consistency across the international network and withstands legal challenge in a way a lab-specific library might not.
What role does OCAD play when investigators find a novel or unlisted degradation product?+
Analysts compare the unknown spectrum against related compound classes and known degradation pathways already in OCAD to build a case for structural identification, and confirmed novel compounds can subsequently be proposed for addition to the database to support future casework.
Is OCAD accessible to laboratories outside the OPCW Designated Laboratory network?+
Access is generally restricted to the OPCW's Designated Laboratories and the Technical Secretariat, reflecting the sensitivity of chemical weapons reference data and the need to maintain chain of custody and quality control standards across the verification system.
Related terms
- 31P NMR
- Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, used to confirm the presence of phosphorus-containing OP nerve agents and their degradation products. Diagnostic: chemical shift...
- AChE (Acetylcholinesterase)
- The enzyme that terminates cholinergic nerve impulses by hydrolysing acetylcholine. Irreversibly phosphorylated at Ser203 by OP nerve agents, causing accumulation of acetylcholine...
- IMPA (Isopropyl Methylphosphonic Acid)
- The primary hydrolysis product of sarin (GB). Detected in urine of sarin-exposed individuals and in environmental matrices by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS. The...
- Novichok (A-Series)
- A class of Soviet-era phosphoramidate nerve agents (A-230, A-232, A-234) from the Foliant programme. Reported to be 5-10x more toxic than VX....
- OPCW Designated Laboratory
- A laboratory authorised by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to conduct official CWC verification analysis. Must pass biennial proficiency...
- Sarin (GB)
- Isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate, a G-series nerve agent. Highly volatile, AChE inhibitor. LCt50 ~35 mg.min/m3 by inhalation. Key degradation products: IMPA (isopropyl methylphosphonic acid)...
- Schedule 1 (CWC)
- The list of chemicals with little or no commercial use outside chemical weapons under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Includes all nerve agents...
- Sulphur Mustard (HD)
- Bis(2-chloroethyl) sulphide. The prototype vesicant (blister agent). Alkylates DNA and proteins via an ethylene sulfonium ion intermediate. First used at Ypres (1917)....
- VX
- O-ethyl S-[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl] methylphosphonothioate. A V-series nerve agent. Very low volatility, extreme skin-penetration toxicity. Developed by ICI (UK) in the 1950s. Used in...