Use of Capillary Electrophoresis in the Detection of Monomethylamine and Benzoate Ions in the Forensic Examination of Explosives Residues

• NCJ Number: 191326
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 1168-1173
• Author(s): Douglas J. Klapec B.S.; DeLonn Ng M.F.S
• Date Published: September 2001
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article examined the use of capillary electrophoresis in the analysis of inorganic ions encountered in explosive residues.

Abstract

The analyses of cations and anions were frequently performed in post-blast explosive cases. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) was used in the ATF Forensic Science Laboratories for the analysis of inorganic ions commonly encountered in post-blast residues including monomethylamine (MMA) and benzoate ions. Capillary electrophoresis has several advantages over ion chromatograph (IC) methods, including more sensitivity, much smaller sample sizes, and optional current-induced sampling to concentrate weak samples. Capillary electrophoresis was an effective tool in the analysis of ions from post-blast explosive debris. The analyses of benzoate and monomethylamine ions were successfully integrated into the analysis of standard anions and cations of interest to the explosive chemist. Graphs and references