Development of a Simple Portable Detection Kit for Selected Explosives.

摘要

An explosive detection spray system has been developed which will detect explosive residues on the exterior of letter and package bombs. The detection is through the formation of colored reaction products using select spray reagents. Reagents were screened for shelf life and toxicity. The wavelength of absorbence and absorptivity of the reagent explosive complex was determined. The spray reagent of choice capable of detecting 0.4 micrograms TNT is prepared by adding 5 grams 1,3-diphenylacetone and 5 milliliters 20 percent tetracethylammonium hydroxide in methanol to 100 milliliters ethanol. RDX and Nitrate esters are detected at the 0.4 microgram level by spraying the substrate with a suspension of 10 grams of zinc dust in benezene, followed by a solution of 0.35 grams of procaine and 0.35 grams N,N-dimethyl-1-naphthylamine in 100 milliliters of a 50/50 acetic acid/distilled water mixture. (Author)