Characterization and Identification of Explosives and Explosive Residues Using GC-MS, an FTIR Microscope, and HPTLC

ABSTRACT Characterization and identification of explosives and explosive residues collected from different places in India were made using TLC, GC/EI-MS, and GC-FTIR. The explosives used were NG, PETN, TNT, tetryl, RDX, and NH4NO3+fuel oil. Quantitative estimation was made using HPTLC. Mass spectra of the samples using selective ion monitoring (SIM) mode based on the relative intensities of the signals X, X + 1 (intensity of the largest fragment X of the explosive, say, RDX [X = 205] was assumed to be 100%, i.e., X = 100%) show no isotopic substitution. The results were confirmed by FTIR spectra. Some physico-chemical aspects of the explosives are discussed. Keywords: characterizationexplosivesFTIR microscopeGC-MSHPTLCidentification Acknowledgments The authors wish to thank Dr. M. S. Rao, Chief Forensic Scientist to the Government of India for initiating, encouraging, and helping us in all possible ways to carry out the work and providing laboratory facilities. The authors also thank Dr. V. K. Kashyap, Director of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Kolkata, for helping us in all possible ways to carry out the work and allowing laboratory facilities. One of the author (S.P.S.) expresses his indebtedness to his wife, Mrs. Kakali Sharma, M.Sc., for her constant encouragement and help in all possible ways. Notes Note: Average % of TNT = 83.2.