Nerve agents were initially discovered during the search for what superior product?

Nerve agents were initially discovered as a part of research into pesticides. During the early stages of chemical weapon development, scientists were investigating chemicals that could effectively control agricultural pests. The characteristics of nerve agents, such as their ability to disrupt the nervous system, made them exceptionally potent for this purpose in pesticides. However, the same chemical properties that made them effective as pesticides also led to their potential use as deadly chemical warfare agents. The transition from agricultural applications to lethal agents highlights the dual-use nature of many chemical compounds developed for seemingly benign purposes. This historical context underscores the connection between agricultural research and the development of harmful chemical agents.