Forensic identification of explosive oxidizers by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

The mass spectrometry of a group of inorganic oxidizers was studied using the electrospray ionization technique. It was found that a series of cluster ions were predominant in both positive- and negative-ion mode, allowing for the characterization of the investigated oxidizers. The identity of the recorded cluster ions was further confirmed by using some isotopically labeled compounds and tandem mass spectrometry with collision-induced dissociation. The use of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for positive identification of major oxidizer components in explosive formulations was demonstrated by three samples of forensic interest.