Analysis of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and TATP synthetic intermediates by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

The explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP) has been analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) on a linear quadrupole instrument, giving a 62.5 ng limit of detection in full scan positive ion mode. In the ESI interface with no applied fragmentor voltage the m/z 245 [TATP + Na](+) ion was observed along with m/z 215 [TATP + Na - C(2)H(6)](+) and 81 [(CH(3))(2)CO + Na](+). When TATP was ionized by ESI with an applied fragmentor voltage of 75 V, ions at m/z 141 [C(4)H(6)O(4) + Na](+) and 172 [C(5)H(9)O(5) + Na](+) were also observed. When the precipitates formed in the synthesis of TATP were analyzed before the reaction was complete, a new series of ions was observed in which the ions were separated by 74 m/z units, with ions occurring at m/z 205, 279, 353, 427, 501, 575, 649 and 723. The series of evenly spaced ions is accounted for as oligomeric acetone carbonyl oxides terminated as hydroperoxides, [HOOC(CH(3))(2){OOC(CH(3))(2)}(n)OOH + Na](+) (n = 1, 2 ... 8). The ESI-MS spectra for this homologous series of oligoperoxides have previously been observed from the ozonolysis of tetramethylethylene at low temperatures. Precipitates from the incomplete reaction mixture, under an applied fragmentor voltage of 100 V in ESI, produced an additional ion observed at m/z 99 [C(2)H(4)O(3) + Na](+), and a set of ions separated by 74 m/z units occurring at m/z 173, 247, 321, 395, 469 and 543, proposed to correspond to [CH(3)CO{OOC(CH(3))(2)}(n)OOH + Na](+) (n = 1,2 ... 5). Support for the assigned structures was obtained through the analysis of both protiated and perdeuterated TATP samples.     

Rapid trace detection of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) by complexation reactions during desorption electrospray ionization

Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry is used for rapid, specific and sensitive detection of trace amounts of the notorious explosive TATP present on ambient surfaces by alkali metal complexation in a simple spray technique.     

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) degradation products

Interest in the analysis and detection of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and other organic peroxides has increased in recent years. Also of interest is the degradation and decomposition of the peroxides, not only to gain more detailed chemical information from organic peroxide samples, but also to investigate possible new procedures or mechanisms for chemical neutralisation. This report investigates the chemical degradation products of TATP after it has been treated with different acids within a sealed system over a period of 14 days. The samples were collected and analysed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and direct liquid injection gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The results of the experiments indicate that the rate of chemical degradation of TATP and the products formed are dependent on the type of acid. The observed differences enables the type of acid used in the degradation process to be determined, provide complementary information to identify the presence of TATP, and possibly indicate new pathways that may be used to chemically neutralise TATP.     

Development of an LC/MS method for the trace analysis of triacetone triperoxide (TATP)

The detection and quantification of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) using LC/MS is investigated. GC/MS analysis of TATP is hindered by stationary phase activation in very short periods of time. Due to the lower temperatures used in LC. this problem is not encountered. This study presents a method that is suitable for the detection of TATP at levels as low as 100 pg microl(-1) (10 ng per 100 microl). Initial findings are also reported for the investigation of a secondary chromatographic peak, which is thought to be caused by separation of two conformers. This study concludes that LC/MS is a suitable technique for the analysis of trace levels of TATP.     

Vibrational spectroscopy of triacetone triperoxide (TATP): anharmonic fundamentals, overtones and combination bands

The vibrational spectrum of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) is studied by the correlation-corrected vibrational self-consistent field (CC-VSCF) method which incorporates anharmonic effects. Fundamental, overtone, and combination band frequencies are obtained by using a potential based on the PM3 method and yielding the same harmonic frequencies as DFT/cc-pVDZ calculations. Fundamentals and overtones are also studied with anharmonic single-mode (without coupling) DFT/cc-pVDZ calculations. Average deviations from experiment are similar for all methods: 2.1-2.5%. Groups of degenerate vibrations form regions of numerous combination bands with low intensity: the 5600-5800 cm(-1) region contains ca. 70 overtones and combinations of CH stretches. Anharmonic interactions are analyzed.     

New cloud vapor zone (CVZ) coupled headspace solid-phase microextraction technique

A new cloud vapor zone (CVZ)-based headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) technique has been demonstrated with the capability of heating the sample matrix and simultaneously cooling the sampling zone. A bi-temperature-controlled (BTC) system, allowing 10 mL of test sample heating and headspace external-cooling, was employed for the CVZ formation around the SPME-fiber sampling area. In the CVZ procedure, the heated headspace vapor undergoes a sudden cooling near the SPME to form a dense cloud of analyte–water vapor, which is helpful for adsorption or absorption of the analyte. The device was evaluated for the quantitative analysis of aqueous chlorothalonil. Parameters influencing sampling efficiency, e.g., SPME fiber coating, SPME sampling temperature and time, solution modifier, addition of salt, sample pH, and temperature, were investigated and optimized thoroughly. The proposed BTC-HS-SPME method afforded a best extraction efficiency of above 94% accuracy (less than 4.1% RSD, n = 7) by using the PDMS fiber to collect chlorothalonil in the headspace at 5 °C under the optimized condition, i.e., heating sample solution (added as 10% ethylene glycol and 30% NaCl, at pH 7.0) at 130 °C for 15 min. The detection was linear from 0.01 to 80 μg L⁻¹ with a regression coefficient of 0.9998 and had a detection limit of 3.0 ng L⁻¹ based on S/N = 3. Practical application was demonstrated by analyzing chlorothalonil in farm water samples with promising results and recoveries. The approach provided a very simple, fast, sensitive, and solvent-free procedure to collect analytes from aqueous solution. The approach can provide a new platform for other sensitive HS-SPME assays.     

High-throughput walkthrough detection portal for counter terrorism: detection of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) vapor by atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization ion trap mass spectrometry

With the aim of improving security, a high‐throughput portal system for detecting triacetone triperoxide (TATP) vapor emitted from passengers and luggage was developed. The portal system consists of a push‐pull air sampler, an atmospheric‐pressure chemical ionization (APCI) ion source, and an explosives detector based on mass spectrometry. To improve the sensitivity of the explosives detector, a novel linear ion trap mass spectrometer with wire electrodes (wire‐LIT) is installed in the portal system. TATP signals were clearly obtained 2 s after the subject under detection passed through the portal system. Preliminary results on sensitivity and throughput show that the portal system is a useful tool for preventing the use of TATP‐based improvised explosive devices by screening persons in places where many people are coming and going. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of various fire-extinguishing reagents for thermal hazard of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) by DSC/TG

Acetone, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) are easily to produce triacetone triperoxide (TATP), which is an organic peroxide and a hazardous material. The aim of this study was to analyze the thermal hazard of various fire-extinguishing reagents mixed with TATP. Various functions of fire-extinguishing reagents may have different extent of reactions with TATP. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TG) were used to detect the thermal hazard and to evaluate the effect of fire-extinguishing reagents mixed with TATP under fire condition. TATP decomposed rapidly and final decomposition was calculated before 200 °C. Therefore, heat of decomposition (ΔH _d) of TATP was evaluated to be 2,500 J g^?1 by DSC under 2 °C min^?1 of heating rate. H₂O₂, acetone, and H₂SO₄ should not be mixed in a wastewater drum. TATP decomposed at 50 °C by DSC using O₂ of reaction gas that is an exothermic reaction and can decompose a large amount of heat. Therefore, TATP was applied to assess thermal pyrolysis by DSC employing N₂ of reaction gas that can analyze an endothermic reaction. Mass loss percentage of TATP was evaluated to be 100 % when the ambient temperature exceeds 110 °C by TG using O₂ or N₂ of reaction gas.     

Determination of dichlorvos by on-line microwave-assisted extraction coupled to headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-electron-capture detection

The pretreatment technique of microwave-assisted extraction on-line headspace solid-phase microextraction (MAE-HS-SPME) was designed and studied for one-step in-situ sample preparation prior to the chromatographic analysis of a pesticide on vegetables. The pesticide on chopped vegetables was extracted into an aqueous solution with the aid of microwave irradiation and then directly onto the SPME fiber in headspace. After being collected on to the SPME fiber and desorbed in the GC injection port, the pesticide (dichlorvos) was analyzed with a GC-electron-capture detection system. The optimum conditions for obtaining extraction efficiency, such as the pH, the polarity modifier, and the salt added in sample solution, the microwave irradiation, as well as the desorption parameters were investigated. Experimental results indicated that the proposed MAE-HS-SPME technique attained the best extraction efficiency of 106% recovery under the optimized conditions, i.e. irradiation of extraction solution (10% aqueous ethylene glycol) at pH 5.0 with medium microwave power for 10 min. Desorption at 220 degrees C for 3 min offered the best detection result. The detection was linear at 5-75 microg/l with correlation coefficient of 0.9985. Detection limit was obtained at approximately 1.0 microg/l level based on S/N=3. The proposed method provided a very simple, fast, and solvent-less procedure to collect pesticides directly from vegetables for GC determination. Its application was illustrated by the analysis of trace dichlorvos in vegetables.     

Determination of chlorophenols in soil samples by microwave-assisted extraction coupled to headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-electron-capture detection

Microwave-assisted extraction coupled to headspace solid-phase microextraction was studied and applied for one-step in-situ sample preparation prior to analysis of chlorophenols (CPs) in soil samples. The CPs in soil sample were extracted into the aqueous solution and then directly onto the solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber in headspace under the aid of microwave irradiation. After being desorbed from SPME fiber in the GC injection port, CPs were analyzed with a GC-electron-capture detection system. Parameters affecting the extraction efficiency such as the extraction solutions, the pH in the slurry, the humic acid content in the soil, the power and the irradiation time of microwave as well as the desorption parameters were investigated. Experimental results indicated that the extraction of a 1.0 g soil sample with a 6-ml aqueous solution (pH 2) and a polyacrylate fiber under the medium-power irradiation (132 W) for 9 min achieved the best extraction efficiency of about 90% recovery and less than 10% RSD. Desorption was optimal at 300 degrees C for 3 min. Detection limits were obtained at around 0.1-2.0 microg/kg levels. The proposed method provided a simple, fast, and organic solvent-free procedure to analyze CPs from soil sample matrix.     

Determination of fluoride in toothpaste using headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection

A new method for determination of fluoride in toothpaste employing the headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography/flame ionization detection (GC/FID) has been proposed. It is a development of the method for determination of fluoride using trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) as the derivatization reagent to form trimethylfluorosilane (TMFS), with the liquid/liquid extraction (LLE) step replaced by HS-SPME. To introduce the latter, it was necessary to determine the conditions of the reaction and to optimize the two stages of the SPME procedure: extraction and desorption. The parameters of the SPME analysis using carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (CAR/PDMS) fiber were defined and compared with the corresponding ones for the LLE method, used as a reference. Also, these two methods were compared with respect to their linearity, precision, and accuracy. Results from toothpaste analyses using these two methods were highly correlated, indicating the potential to use the SPME extraction as an inexpensive and solventfree alternative to the LLE method.     

顶空固相微萃取GC-MS分析紫云英蜂蜜的香味成分

建立了顶空固相微萃取-气相色谱-质谱联用(HS-SPME-GC-MS)分析紫云英蜂蜜香味成分的方法。采用质谱谱库检索结合化合物保留指数定性分析色谱峰,面积归一化法进行定量分析。从紫云英蜂蜜中分离了68个组份,定性了其中的49个,占总峰面积的92.24%。紫云英蜂蜜香味的主要成分为醛类(61.2%)、醇类(14.29%)和酯类(2.38%)。     

Simple extraction of phencyclidine from human body fluids by headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME)

Summary Phencyclidine (PCP) was found to be extractable by headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) from human whole blood and urine. Sample solutions were heated at 90°C in the presence of NaOH and K₂CO₃, and an SPME fiber was exposed in the headspace of a vial for 30 min. Immediately after withdrawal of the fiber, it was analyzed by gas chromatography with surface ionization detection (GC-SID). Recoveries of PCP were approximately 9.3–10.8% and 39.8–47.8% for whole blood and urine samples, respectively. The calibration curve for PCP showed good linearity in the range 2.5–100 ng mL^–1 whole blood and 0.5–100 ng mL^–1 urine. The detection limits were approximately 1.0 ng mL^–1 for whole blood and 0.25 ng mL^–1 for urine.     

Optimization of headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-atomic emission detection analysis of monomethylmercury

Optimum conditions for headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) in the analysis of monomethylmercury (MeHg) have been determined. Sodium tetra(n-)propylborate (NaBPr(4)) is used as derivatization reagent to promote volatility. A simple aluminium bar was used to cool the SPME fiber to about 2 degrees C during the equilibration phase just before extraction. HS-SPME was performed using different fibers. The 100 microm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and 65 microm polydimethylsiloxane-divinylbenzene (PDMS-DVB) fibers showed the best results. Although the extraction efficiency for MeHg derivative of the polydimethylsiloxane-Carboxen (PDMS-CAR) fiber is similar to the other fibers, desorption of MeHg derivative from a PDMS-CAR fiber is poor. Factors affecting the HS-SPME process such as adsorption and desorption times, ionic strength (salting-out) and extraction temperature have been evaluated and optimized thoroughly. The highest extraction efficiency for the PDMS fiber was obtained by extraction at a low temperature (2 degrees C) immediately after equilibration at 30 degrees C. With the PDMS-DVB and PDMS-CAR fiber improvement of extraction efficiency at lower temperatures is negligible. Repeated extraction out of the same vial revealed that about 30% of MeHg derivative is extracted from the headspace with a PDMS fiber at 2 degrees C and about 70% with a PDMS-DVB fiber. Repeated extraction with two different fiber coatings showed that the PDMS-CAR fiber also extracts about 70% but that the desorption is incomplete. Attempts to improve the desorption failed due to degradation of the MeHg derivate at high injection temperatures. The limit of detection (3sigma) was 16 pg/L MeHg. The relative standard deviation (n = 8) for 100 pg/L of MeHg was found to be 5%. Linearity of the HS-SPME-GC-atomic emission detection method was established over at least two orders of magnitude in the range 0-2000 pg/L. Recovery of a surface water sample spiked at 2 ng/L was 85%. The suitability of the procedure was demonstrated by analysis of a surface water sample that showed a concentration of 100 pg/L MeHg. The optimized method can be used with standard commercial equipment without further adaptations.     

Quantification of chloroanisoles in cork using headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography with electron capture detection

Chloroanisoles can migrate from the cork stopper in wine bottles to the wine and give it a musty taint so it is important to find a method by which they can be determined. The aim of this paper is to develop a method for quantifying 2,4-dichloroanisole, 2,6-dichloroanisole, 2,4,6-trichloroanisole, 2,3,4,6-tetrachloroanisole and 2,3,4,5,6-pentachloroanisole in cork using headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography with electron capture detection. After we had prepared the cork standards that were so essential to the work we optimised the parameters that most influence headspace solid-phase microextraction: fibre coating, vial volume, cork, kind and volume of solvent to help the extraction, extraction temperature and time, ionic strength and stirring. The method quantifies the total amount of chloroanisoles in cork stoppers (natural, agglomerated, agglomerated with disks and sparkling wine stoppers), at suitable concentrations so that the capacity of these compounds to give wine a musty taint can be evaluated. The quantification limits are: 2,6-dichloroanisole (8.6 ng/g), 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (0.8 ng/g), 2,4-dichloroanisole (3.5 ng/g), 2,3,4,6-tetrachloroanisole (0.6 ng/g), 2,3,4,5,6-pentachloroanisole (0.8 ng/g). The other quality parameters are: recoveries (90.3-105.8%), repeatability (4-13% (RSD expressed)) and intermediate precision (5-14% (RSD expressed)).     

Analysis of semi-volatile organic compounds in aqueous samples by microwave-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-electron capture detection

The pretreatment technique of microwave-assisted headspace solid-phase microextraction (MA-HS-SPME) has been developed and studied for the extraction of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in aqueous samples prior to chromatographic analysis. The optimum conditions for obtaining extraction efficiency, such as the extraction time, extraction temperature, addition of salts, and the ratio of sample to headspace volume parameters were investigated. Experimental results indicated that the proposed MA-HS-SPME technique attained the best extraction efficiency under the optimized conditions, i.e., irradiation of extraction solution (20mL aqueous sample in 40mL headspace vial with no addition of salt) under 30W microwave power for 30min at 70 degrees C. The detection was linear at 1-250ng/L with correlation coefficient exceeding 0.997. The detection limits obtained were between 0.2-10.7ng/L, repeatability range from 2 to 15%. Real water samples collected from known sites in southern Taiwan were analyzed using the optimized conditions.     

Analysis of virgin olive oil volatile compounds by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography with mass spectrometric and flame ionization detection

The efficiency of headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was evaluated for the qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of virgin olive oil volatile compounds. The behaviour of four fibre coatings was compared for sensitivity, repeatability and linearity of response. A divinylbenzene-Carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane fibre coating was found to be the most suitable for the analysis of virgin olive oil volatiles. Sampling and chromatographic conditions were examined and the SPME method, coupled to GC with MS and flame ionization detection, was applied to virgin olive oil samples. More than 100 compounds were isolated and characterised. The presence of some of these compounds in virgin olive oil has not previously been reported. The main volatile compounds present in the oil samples were determined quantitatively.     

Rapid screening of methamphetamines in human serum by headspace solid-phase microextraction using a dodecylsulfate-doped polypyrrole film coupled to ion mobility spectrometry

A simple, rapid and highly sensitive method for simultaneous analysis of methamphetamine (MA) and 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA) in human serum was developed using the solid-phase microextraction (SPME) combined with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). A dodecylsulfate-doped polypyrrole (PPy-DS) was applied as a new fiber for SPME. Electrochemically polymerized PPy is formed on the surface of a platinum wire and will contain charge-compensating anion (dodecylsulfate) incorporated during synthesis using cyclic voltammetry (CV) technique. The extraction properties of the fiber to MA and MDMA were examined, using a headspace-SPME (HS-SPME) device and thermal desorption in injection port of IMS. The results show that PPy-DS as a SPME fiber coating is suitable for the successful extraction of these compounds. This method is suitable for the identification and determination of MAs, is not time-consuming, requires small quantities of sample and does not require any derivatization. Parameters like pH, extraction time, ionic strength, and temperature of the sample were studied and optimized to obtain the best extraction results. The HS-SPME-IMS method provided good repeatability (RSDs<7.8 %) for spiked serum samples. The calibration graphs were linear in the range of 20-4000 ng ml(-1) (R(2)>0.99) and detection limits for MDMA and MA were 5 and 8 ng ml(-1), respectively. HS-SPME-IMS of non-spiked serum sample provided a spectrum without any peak from the matrix, supporting an effective sample clean-up. Finally, the proposed method was applied for analysis one of the ecstasy tablet.     

Multi-residue analysis of pesticide residues in mangoes using solid-phase microextraction coupled to liquid chromatography and UV-Vis detection

A sensitive and efficient solid‐phase microextraction method, based on liquid chromatography and UV–Vis detection, was developed and validated as an alternative method for sample screening prior to LC‐MS analysis. It enables the simultaneous determination of ten pesticides in mango fruits. The fiber used was polydimethylsiloxane while optimum SPME conditions employed have been developed and optimized in a previous work. The desorption process was performed in static mode, using acetonitrile as a solvent. The results indicate that the DI‐SPME/HPLC/UV–Vis procedure resulted in good linear range, accuracy, precision and sensibility and is adequate for analyzing pesticide residues in mango fruits. The limits of detection (0.6–3.3 μg/kg) and quantification (2.0–10.0 μg/kg) were achieved with values lower than the maximum residue levels (MRLs) established by Brazilian legislation for all pesticides in this study. The average recovery rates obtained for each pesticide ranged from 71.6 to 104.3% at three fortification levels, with the relative standard deviation ranging from 4.3 to 18.6%. The proposed method was applied for the determination of the aforementioned compounds in commercial mango samples and residues of azoxystrobin, fenthion, permethrin, abamectin and bifenthrin were detected in the mango samples, although below the MRLs established by Brazilian legislation.     

Fast determination of paeonol in plasma by headspace solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Paeonol is the active component in the traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), such as Cynanchum paniculatum, which has been used to treat many diseases, such as eczema. In this work, a simple, rapid and sensitive method was developed for the determination of paeonol in rabbit plasma, which was based on headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The extraction parameters of fiber coating, sample temperature, extraction time, stirring rate and ion strength were systemically optimized; the method linearity, detection limit and precision were also investigated. It was shown that the proposed method provided a good linearity (0.02-20 μg mL⁻¹, R² > 0.990), low detection limit (2.0 ng mL⁻¹) and good precision (R.S.D. value less than 8%). Finally, GC/MS following HS-SPME was applied to fast determination of paeonol in rabbit plasma at different time point after oral demonstration of Cynanchum paniculatum essential oil. The experimental results suggest that the proposed method provided an alternative and novel approach to the pharmacokinetics study of paeonol in the TCMs.