Forensic Analysis of Pentaerythritol Tetra Nitrate from the Real Samplesof Detonating Cord

Background: In forensic chemistry, the examination of evidence collected from explosion sites continues to be a significant field of research, driven by the growing need for enhanced homeland security in response to terrorist and warfare risks. A terrorist arranges a detonation cord to place a charge on an improvised explosive device. In India, detonating cords are widely utilized in mining. Pentaerythritol tetra nitrate (PETN) is the most exploitable high explosive used as an explosive core within the plastic covering of detonating cord. There has been significant attention given to the detection of PETN as an explosive because of concerns related to military and public safety. Objective: The rapid detection of PETN has become increasingly important in real crime samples because of its low vapor pressure and thermal liability. The main objective of the present study was to rapidly identifying PETN in crime samples (intact and defused detonating cord) of forensic laboratories using chromatography and spectroscopy methods. Methods: Spot tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC) and Attenuated total reflectance - Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy methods were used to identify PETN in intact and disposed form of detonating cord. Results: PETN was been preliminarily detected in spot tests and TLC. As ATR-FTIR does not use high temperature or thermal desorption, it was used in the present study for confirmation of PETN in seized real crime samples of detonating cord in intact and disposed form. Conclusions: The integration of multiple techniques enhances detection reliability in forensic chemistry. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy proved to be an important technique without the use of other chemical/other instrumental analysis and easily classify among different samples received for the forensic opinion.