Dr. Ryan Bain, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Radicals and Royals:
Modern Mass Spec Tactics for Peroxide and Nitrate Debris
Dr. Ryan Bain
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
This presentation details advanced analytical chemistry and instrumentation strategies for the forensic detection, characterization, and differentiation of both volatile organic peroxides and inorganic explosive residues. The research leverages high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry, and ambient ionization techniques to trace the mechanisms which convert secondary alcohols into organic peroxides. Specialized sample introduction and ionization workflows—including on-line solid-phase microextraction and passive headspace extraction were evaluated to optimize sensitivity and combat analyte sublimation. Furthermore, the scope is expanded to address inorganic oxidizers through the utilization of crown ether additives and paper spray ionization. These target chelators form stable ionic complexes with forensically relevant nitrate salts (such as ammonium, barium, and potassium nitrates), allowing simultaneous cation and anion identification in a single tandem mass spectrum. Together, these integrated methodologies provide a rigorous framework for navigating chemical volatility and overcoming complex matrix interferences in forensic laboratories.











