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Comment by ethbr1 | Hacker News Reader

Because you made me curious

>> The nerve agent VX is an oily liquid that is clear, odorless, and tasteless, and looks similar to motor oil. [0]

"Clear" and "motor oil" seem mutually-exclusive though.

Apparently what they meant was translucent, brown-tinted fresh motor oil. [1]

How do they know it's tasteless???

Or maybe they mean that it's tasteless (as in uncultured or gauche) to kill your enemies with nerve gas instead of a more elegant weapon.

They do mean it doesn't taste (or smell) of anything, and they probably know because of human experiments.

The chemical agents tested on volunteers included chemical warfare agents and other related agents:

Anticholinesterase nerve agents (VX, sarin) and common organophosphorus (OP) and carbamate pesticides

I’m guessing they’re referring to the 2 inert precursor chemicals that are mixed together right before the weapon goes off?

No, the precursors are QL and sulfur. According to Wikipedia, QL (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QL_(chemical)) has a strong fishy smell.

> "Clear" and "motor oil" seem mutually-exclusive though.

Perhaps they mean that it makes this fun "holo" effect when mixed with water and spilled on flat surface?