Direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry of potential by-products from homemade nitrate ester explosive synthesis

Talanta
Edward Sisco, Thomas P Forbes

Abstract

This work demonstrates the coupling of direct analysis in real time (DART) ionization with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) in an off-axis configuration for the trace detection and analysis of potential partially nitrated and dimerized by-products of homemade nitrate ester explosive synthesis. Five compounds relating to the synthesis of nitroglycerin (NG) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) were examined. Deprotonated ions and adducts with molecular oxygen, nitrite, and nitrate were observed in the mass spectral responses of these compounds. A global optimum temperature of 350 °C for the by-products investigated here enabled single nanogram to sub nanogram trace detection. Matrix effects were examined through a series of mixtures containing one or more compounds (sugar alcohol precursors, by-products, and/or explosives) across a range of mass loadings. The explosives MS responses experienced competitive ionization in the presence of all by-products. The magnitude of this influence corresponded to both the degree of by-product nitration and the relative mass loading of the by-product to the explosive. This work provides a characterization of potential by-products from homemade nitrate ester synthesis, including matrix e...Continue Reading

References

Feb 1, 1983·Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences·D M BaaskeJ E Carter
Oct 7, 2004·Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry·Keqi TangRichard D Smith
Mar 19, 2013·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Marie MorelatoClaude Roux
Apr 30, 2013·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Hanneke BrustPeter Schoenmakers
Sep 17, 2013·Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·Jürgen H Gross
Sep 24, 2013·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Edward SiscoCandice Bridge

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Citations

Dec 10, 2016·Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry : RCM·Alla OstrinskayaRoderick R Kunz
Apr 18, 2018·The Analyst·Thomas P Forbes, Edward Sisco
Nov 9, 2018·Analytical Chemistry·Ewelina MistekIgor K Lednev

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