Direct Detection of Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) in Real Banknotes from ATM Explosion by EASI‐MS

Abstract

In Brazil, automated teller machine (ATM) has become a major target of theft incursions toward explosion. Efficient analysis of explosives residues on suspect banknotes is a serious issue in forensic labs, and guide to the crime solution. Easy ambient sonic‐spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI‐MS) is shown to be a simple and selective screening tool to identify peroxide explosives on real banknotes collected from ATM explosion. Analyses were carried out directly on the banknotes surfaces without any sample preparation, identifying triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and diacetone diperoxide (DADP). Homemade EASI source was coupled to ultrahigh‐resolution and ultrahigh accuracy FT‐ICR MS and revealed the ion of m/z 245 correspondent to sodiated TATP [C9H18O6Na]+ and the ion of m/z 171 related to sodiated DADP [C6H12O4Na]+, ions that is the sodiated DADP and the ions of m/z 173 and 189 related to [C6H14O4Na]+ and [C6H14O4K]+, respectively, which are associated to chemical markers of TATP domestic route synthesis. EASI source coupled to a single quadrupole mass spectrometer provides an intelligent and simple way to identify the explosives TATP, DADP and its domestic synthesis markers.

Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Recent Developments and Applications

“…DART, PSI, touch spray, and EASI have been applied for the detection of gunshot residue, chemical warfare agents, and explosives. − For instance, Black et al used DART-MS to analyze gunshot residue from 3D printed firearms composed of a variety of materials. Polymer ions as well as organic compounds such as ethyl centralite and diphenylamine normally associated with gunshot residue were detected in the mass spectra, indicating that DART could provide useful evidence in crimes using 3D printed firearms .…”

Recent advances in ambient mass spectrometry of trace explosives

“…119 Nascimento Correa et al employed EASI for the detection of TATP and DADP directly off of banknotes collected from an automated teller machine (ATM) explosion. 146 Sodium cation adducts were observed for peroxide explosives in addition to multiple domestic synthesis chemical markers. Forbes and Sisco also provided demonstration of select peroxide-based explosive detection by DEFFI.…”

Silica Nanoparticle/Fluorescent Dye Assembly Capable of Ultrasensitively Detecting Airborne Triacetone Triperoxide: Proof-of-Concept Detection of Improvised Explosive Devices in the Workroom

“…Unfortunately, the detection of HMTD in the vapor phase is not possible . For the detection of TATP, the most common methods are mass spectrometry, ion mobility spectrometry or related technologies, − and multiphoton spectroscopy . Optional complementary methods are chemically modified nanosensor arrays, or portable optical methods based on colorimetric sensor arrays, in this case to detect the hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) produced by decomposition of the TATP. − Alternative indirect detection methods, by detection of H 2 O 2 from TATP, and the oxidative processes linked to them, are frequently used for fluorometric sensing, − as well as detection of acetone from decomposition of TATP. , The direct detection of TATP has also been achieved by fluorescence quenching .…”