We produce small quantities of highly toxic chemicals that are relevant to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). These include chemical warfare agents, their precursors, degradation products, by-products and biomarkers. Each synthesis step is optimised to guarantee the highest possible purity of the target compound.

We test new scientific developments in chemical synthesis and assess their relevance to the production of highly toxic compounds.

Our infrastructure, which is declared as a Schedule 1 Facility for Protective Purposes at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), enables the safe synthesis of toxic compounds for research, testing and training purposes. Spiez Laboratory limits its work to Treaty-approved activities necessary for the study of protective measures and for medical and pharmaceutical research. We perform the national and international tasks resulting from the CWC ratification.

Our work provides a basis for better understanding about chemical warfare agents and their related compounds in terms of the corresponding protection options. We help to maintain the status of Spiez Laboratory as a Designated Laboratory of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

We produce reference chemicals for the following specific applications:

• Development of analytical methods for identifying chemicals
• Unambiguous and quantitative identification in analytical tests
• Development and extension of analytical databases
• Testing of detection and warning systems
• Testing of protective equipment such as filters and protective clothing
• Testing of decontamination solutions and decontamination systems