ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 4

Characterization of Lachrymators by Ambient Temperature Ion Mobility Spectrometry
McLeod, CW
Professor, University of Sheffield,

Allinson, G
Lecturer, School of Aquatic Science and Natural Resources Management, Deakin University,

(Received 2 May 1996; accepted 5 July 1996)

Abstract

Current methods for the detection of tear gas residues require extensive sample preparation before spectral measurement. This contrasts with the present work in which a new detection method for the active ingredients of CN (α-chloroacetophenone), CS (2-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile), and pepper sprays (capsaicin and crude pepper extracts) based on ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure ion mobility spectrometry has been developed. The minimum determinable limits were: α-chloroacetophenone 0.1 μg, 2-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile 25 mg, and cayenne pepper 5 mg. These limits were dependent on the vapor pressure, proton affinity and electronegativity of the target molecule.

Keywords:
forensic science, analytical chemistry, tear gas, α-chloroacetophenone, 2-chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile, pepper extracts, ion mobility spectrometry

Paper ID: JFS14118J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14118J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.