ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 5

Dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine—A Potential Interference in the Detection of Explosives Traces
Hiley, RW
Head of Chemistry and Research, Forensic Explosives Laboratory, Defense Evaluation and Research Agency, Fort Halstead, Kent

(Received 13 November 1995; accepted 26 February 1996)

Abstract

A strong peak was encountered in the analysis of a case sample for explosives traces by gas chromatography with chemiluminescence detection. According to the standard laboratory criteria, the peak did not coincide with any common explosive, but it lay close to pentaerythyritol (PETN) and cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX). Subsequent investigation discovered that the peak was caused by dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, a chemical blowing agent used in plastics manufacture. Details of the compound, its mass spectrum, and chromatographic responses are given.

Keywords:
forensic science, criminalistics, dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, 3,7-dinitroso-1,3,5,7-tetraazabicyclo[3.3.1]-nonane, 101-25-7, gas chromatography, chemiluminescence, explosives, trace, evidence

Paper ID: JFS14034J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14034J
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