Peter Kolla | PubMed Health

PubMed2003

Trace analysis of peroxide-based explosives.

The first method for quantitative trace analysis of peroxide-based explosives is described. A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method with post-column UV irradiation and fluorescence detection for the analysis of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD) has been developed. After separation, the analytes are degraded photochemically to hydrogen peroxide, which is subsequently determined on the basis of the peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid to the fluorescent dimer. This two-step reaction scheme in combination with the respective blanks (photochemical reactor switched off) provides for high selectivity. The limits of detection were 2 x 10(-6) mol/L for both TATP and HMTD, respectively. The method has been applied to the analysis of real samples.

Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic↗

PubMed2002

A field test for the detection of peroxide-based explosives.

A rapid and simple field test for the detection of triacetone-triperoxide (TATP) and hexamethylenetriperoxidediamine (HMTD), two explosives which find significant illegal use, has been developed. Unknown samples are first treated with a catalase solution to remove hydrogen peroxide traces, in order to provide selectivity towards peroxide-based bleaching agents which are contained in commercial laundry detergents. Subsequently, the peroxide-based explosives are decomposed via UV irradiation, thus yielding hydrogen peroxide, which is determined by the horseradish peroxidase (POD) catalysed formation of the green radical cation of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonate (ABTS). The limits of detection for this method are 8 x 10(-6) mol dm(-3) for TATP and 8 x 10(-7) mol dm(-3) for HMTD, respectively. As an option, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (pHPAA) may be used as peroxidase substrate, resulting in lower limits of detection (8 x 10(-7) mol dm(-3) for TATP and HMTD). The complete method uses a mobile setup to be applied under field conditions.

Explosions↗