Analysis and detection of homemade explosive TACP

Area of Science:

• Forensic Chemistry
• Explosives Analysis

Background:

• Tetraamminecopper(II) perchlorate (TACP) is a novel homemade explosive with limited literature data.
• Understanding its properties is vital for forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize TACP using standard forensic techniques.
• To investigate its thermal decomposition and stability.
• To identify precursors and post-blast residues.

Main Methods:

• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
• Raman spectroscopy
• X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD)
• Differential thermal analysis (DTA)
• Thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry (TGA/MS)
• Isotope labeling with 15N

Main Results:

• TACP decomposes to CuO, releasing various gases (N2O, NO, HCl, O2, H2O, NH3).
• TACP is unstable, decomposing spontaneously at room temperature.
• Precursor residues indicate improvised preparation methods.
• Post-blast residues are rich in copper and chlorine.

Conclusions:

• TACP characterization provides valuable forensic data.
• Its instability and decomposition products offer insights into its use.
• Precursor analysis aids in tracing the origin of improvised explosives.