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Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Quantitative Detection of Trace Explosive Vapors by Programmed Temperature Desorption Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector
Published on: July 25, 2014
Forensic Analysis of Explosives by LC/MS
1National Center for Forensic Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
Abstract:
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.
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