Bicyclic phosphorus esters: high toxicity without cholinesterase inhibition.

4-Isopropyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2.2.2]octane 1-oxide has a mouse intraperitoneal lethal dose, 50 percent effective, of 0.18 milligram per kilogram of body weight. Related compounds used by many chemical researchers are also highly toxic. Brain acetylcholinesterase inhibition is not involved in their mode of action. The structural similarity of these compounds to adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) is of interest.