The divalent metal ion-catalyzed hydrolysis of thionate (PS) and oxonate (PO) organophosphorus pesticides has been examined in light of three possible catalysis mech anisms:(1) metal ion coordination of the thionate sulfur or oxonate oxygen to enhance the electrophilicity of the phosphorus electrophilic site;(2) metal ion coordination and induced deprotonation of water to create a reactive nucleophile; and (3) metal ion coordination of ...