|
|||||
|
|
The Potential of Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) and Gas Chromatography‐IRMS Analysis of Triacetone Triperoxide in Forensic Explosives Investigations |
|
| Authors: | Karlijn D. B. Bezemer M.Sc. Mattijs Koeberg Ph.D. Antoine E. D. M. van der Heijden Ph.D. Chris A. van Driel Ph.D. Cornelia Blaga Ph.D. Jildert Bruinsma B.Sc. Arian C. van Asten Ph.D. |
| Affiliation: | 1. Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands;2. Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands;3. Faculty of Science, Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;4. TNO Technical Sciences, Rijswijk, The Netherlands;5. CLHC, Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands |
| Abstract: | Studying links between triacetone triperoxide (TATP) samples from crime scenes and suspects can assist in criminal investigations. Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and gas chromatography (GC)‐IRMS were used to measure the isotopic compositions of TATP and its precursors acetone and hydrogen peroxide. In total, 31 TATP samples were synthesized with different raw material combinations and reaction conditions. For carbon, a good differentiation and a linear relationship were observed for acetone–TATP combinations. The extent of negative (δ13C) fractionation depended on the reaction yield. Limited enrichment was observed for the hydrogen isotope (δ2H) values of the TATP samples probably due to a constant exchange of hydrogen atoms in aqueous solution. For oxygen (δ18O), the small isotopic range and excess of water in hydrogen peroxide resulted in poor differentiation. GC‐IRMS and IRMS data were comparable except for one TATP sample prepared with high acid concentration demonstrating the potential of compound‐specific isotope analysis. Carbon IRMS has practical use in forensic TATP investigations. |
| Keywords: | forensic science explosives triacetone triperoxide isotope ratio mass spectrometry gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry precursors |