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

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the certified firearms instructor who provided all ammunition and firearms used and who provided us with an unending supply of gunshot residue.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Forensic Science Program, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Gwynyth Scherperel & Ruth Waddell Smith

  2. Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Gavin E. Reid & Ruth Waddell Smith

  3. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Gavin E. Reid

Authors
  1. Gwynyth Scherperel
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  2. Gavin E. Reid
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  3. Ruth Waddell Smith
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Correspondence to Ruth Waddell Smith.

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Scherperel, G., Reid, G.E. & Waddell Smith, R. Characterization of smokeless powders using nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nESI-MS). Anal Bioanal Chem 394, 2019–2028 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-009-2689-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-009-2689-9

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