Analytical Characterization of Erythritol Tetranitrate, an Improvised Explosive1. Issue 3 (4th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matyáš, Robert; Lyčka, Antonín; Jirásko, Robert; Jakový, Zdeněk; Maixner, Jaroslav; Mišková, Linda; Künzel, Martin
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 61:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 759
• Page End: 764
• Publication Date: 2016-04-04
• Subjects: forensic science -- erythritol tetranitrate -- erythritol [15N4] tetranitrate -- forensic analysis -- improvised explosive -- NMR, FTIR and Raman spectrometry -- mass spectrometry -- X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13078
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: Erythritol tetranitrate (ETN), an ester of nitric acid and erythritol, is a solid crystalline explosive with high explosive performance. Although it has never been used in any industrial or military application, it has become one of the most prepared and misused improvise explosives. In this study, several analytical techniques were explored to facilitate analysis in forensic laboratories. FTIR and Raman spectrometry measurements expand existing data and bring more detailed assignment of bands through the parallel study of erythritol [ 15 N4 ] tetranitrate. In the case of powder diffraction, recently published data were verified, and 1 H, 13 C, and 15 N NMR spectra are discussed in detail. The technique of electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was successfully used for the analysis of ETN. Described methods allow fast, versatile, and reliable detection or analysis of samples containing erythritol tetranitrate in forensic laboratories.