Multiple Stable Isotope Characterization as a Forensic Tool to Distinguish Acid Scavenger Samples

:  Acid scavengers are frequently used as stabilizer compounds in a variety of applications. When used to stabilize volatile compounds such as nerve agents, the lower volatility and higher stability of acid scavengers make them more persistent in a post‐event forensic setting. Compound‐specific isot...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of forensic sciences 2012-01, Vol.57 (1), p.60-63
Main Authors: Moran, James J., Kreuzer, Helen W., Carman, April J., Wahl, Jon H., Duckworth, Douglas C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
08 HYDROGEN
acid scavenger
Analytical chemistry
AVAILABILITY
CARBON
Chemical compounds
compound-specific isotope analysis
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
Forensic chemistry
Forensic science
HYDROGEN
Isotopes
N,N‐diethylaniline
N-diethylaniline
nerve agent
NERVES
NITROGEN
RESIDUES
sarin
SCAVENGING
STABILITY
stable isotope
STABLE ISOTOPES
tributylamine
triethylamine
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds
VOLATILITY
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Summary::  Acid scavengers are frequently used as stabilizer compounds in a variety of applications. When used to stabilize volatile compounds such as nerve agents, the lower volatility and higher stability of acid scavengers make them more persistent in a post‐event forensic setting. Compound‐specific isotope analysis of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen in three acid‐scavenging compounds (N,N‐diethylaniline, tributylamine, and triethylamine) were used as a tool for distinguishing between different samples. Combined analysis of multiple isotopes improved sample resolution, for instance differentiation between triethylamine samples improved from 80% based on carbon alone to 96% when combining with additional isotope data. The compound‐specific methods developed here can be applied to instances where these compounds are not pure, such as when mixed with an agent or when found as a residue. Effective sample matching can be crucial for linking compounds at multiple event sites or linking a supply inventory to an event.
ISSN:0022-1198
1556-4029
DOI:10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01959.x