The potential of Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) and gas chromatography-IRMS analysis of triacetone triperoxide in forensic explosives investigations
article
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 (d13C) fractionation depended on the reaction yield. Limited enrichment was observed for the hydrogen isotope (d2H) values of the TATP samples probably due to a constant exchange of hydrogen atoms in aqueous solution. For oxygen (d18O), 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. © 2016 American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Topics
TNO Identifier
572352
ISSN
0022-1198
Source
Journal of Forensic Sciences, 61(5), pp. 1198-1207.
Publisher
Wiley
Pages
1198-1207
Files
To receive the publication files, please send an e-mail request to TNO Repository.