ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 September 2004
Page Count: 4

Organic Explosives Analysis Using On Column-Ion Trap EI/NICI GC-MS with an External Source
Gardebas, D
Explosives department of the Gendarmerie (IRCGN) 1,

Martinez, F
Explosives department of the Gendarmerie (IRCGN) 1,

Khong, SP
Explosives department of the Gendarmerie (IRCGN) 1,

Calderara, S
Explosives department of the Gendarmerie (IRCGN) 1,

(Received 15 March 2003; accepted 3 April 2004)

Abstract

In this study, a standard method by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) for the analysis of classical organic explosives was developed. This method was validated in the EI mode, based on the XPT 90-210 standard method (1). Detection limits (LOD) and quantitation limits (LOQ) were both determined using electronic impact (EI) and negative ion chemical ionization (NICI) modes. These were compared and results showed that in the NICI mode, detection limits were lower than in the EI mode, thus NICI mode appeared to be the best way to analyze nitrate esters. Results of ion trap MS detection were then compared with those obtained in a previous study (2) with single quadrupolar technology. Major ions that were obtained using ion trap MS detection in these two modes were reported.

Keywords:
forensic science, gas chromatography, ion-trap mass spectrometry, detection limits, organic explosives

Paper ID: JFS2003097
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003097
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