US EPA

1042270 

Journal Article 

Characterization of smokeless powders using nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nESI-MS) 

Scherperel, G; Reid, GE; Waddell Smith, R 

2009 

Yes 

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
ISSN: 1618-2642
EISSN: 1618-2650 

394 

8 

2019-2028 

English 

19242680 

10.1007/s00216-009-2689-9 

WOS:000268478100005 

Smokeless powder is one of the most common types of explosives used in civilian ammunition and, hence, its detection and identification is of great forensic value. Based on comparison of physical properties, extraction yield in methanol, and the spectra obtained using nanoelectrospray ionization and multistage tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer, a method was developed to identify and differentiate unburned smokeless powders from different brands of ammunition. The mass spectrometry method was optimized for the simultaneous detection of the organic stabilizers commonly present in smokeless powders: methyl centralite, ethyl centralite, and diphenylamine. All but two of the powders were differentiated; however, the two that were not differentiated were produced by the same manufacturer. Gunshot residue from the cartridges was deposited on cotton cloth and collision-induced dissociation MS/MS was used to identify low levels of ethyl centralite in the residue, despite the presence of contaminants. 

Smokeless powder; Gunshot residue; Forensic analysis; Mass spectrometry