Identification of ascorbic acid and its degradation products in black powder substititutes. Goodpaster JV, Keto RO . 2004;49(3): 1-6.

I have read the license agreement
and agree to its terms - Download paper, now
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Viewer)

*PDF not available

Citation Information

Stock #: JFS0405
Volume: 49
Issue: 3
Year: 2004
Pages: 1-6
Author(s): Goodpaster JV, Keto RO
Title: Identification of ascorbic acid and its degradation products in black powder substititutes
Keywords: ascorbic acid, black powder substitutes, BSA, derivatization, explosives, forensic science, gas chromatography mass spectrometry

Abstract: Low explosives such as smokeless powder, black powder, and black powder substitutes have been used in illicit pipe bombings throughout the United States. Some of the newer black powder substitutes are formulated with ascorbic acid, which gradually decomposes as the powder ages, making it difficult if not impossible for the forensic chemist to identify it by traditional bulk techniques. A sensitive method for the identification of residual levels of ascorbic acid in black powder substitutes is presented. Powder samples are extracted with a mixture of acetonitrile and bis(trimethylsilyl)acetamide (BSA), which converts carboxylic acid and alcohol functional groups to trimethylsilyl esters and ethers, respectively. Samples are then analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results have shown that trace amounts of ascorbic acid can be identified at detection limits that are well below those for traditional bulk techniques. Degradation products for ascorbic acid (hydroxylated carboxylic acids, furanones, and lactones) can also be detected.

I have read the license agreement
and agree to its terms - Download paper, now
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Viewer)

Return to Search Page