Forensic Analysis of Explosives by LC/MS.

Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), combining good separation characteristics with highly specific and sensitive detection, is the method of choice for forensic trace analysis of explosives. Principles of operation and instrumentation of several LC/MS interface/ionization modes are described. Among the various LC/MS interfaces and ionization modes, electrospray ionization (ESI)-LC/MS in the negative-ion mode was found to be the most suitable for analysis and identification of trace amounts of explosives. Characteristic electrospray ions of explosives are mainly adduct and [M - H]- ions. Detection limits in ESI-LC/MS of the investigated explosives were found to be in the pg range.