NCJ Number
164947
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 41 Issue: 6 Dated: (November 1996) Pages: 975-979
Date Published
1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A strong peak was encountered in the analysis of a case sample for explosives traces by gas chromatography (GC) with thermoelectric analyzer (TEA) chemiluminescence detection.
Abstract
According to standard laboratory criteria, the peak did not coincide with any common explosive, but it lay close to pentaerythritol (PETN) and cyclotrimethylene trinatramine (RDX). Subsequent investigation discovered that the peak was caused by dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine (DNPMT), a chemical blowing agent used in plastics manufacture. DNPMT produced a strong response in GC/TEA analyses that might incorrectly be taken as indicating the presence of PETN or RDX. A similar problem could arise in other instruments using the same nitric oxide/ozone chemiluminescence detection mechanism as the TEA. DNPMT solution produced no spots on a thin layer chromatography plate after visualization with sodium hydroxide/Griees reagent, a system commonly used to detect explosives traces. Details of the compound, its mass spectrum, and chromatographic responses are given. 5 references, 5 tables, and 5 figures