Liquid chromatography - Post-column photochemical conversion and electrochemical detection for determination of peroxide-based explosives

A quantitative trace analysis method for peroxide-based explosives is described. This method uses reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with post-column UV irradiation and electrochemical detection for analysis of triacetonetriperoxide (TATP) and hexamethylenetriperoxide diamine (HMTD). The analytes are initially separated and subsequently decomposed photochemically to hydrogen peroxide, which is finally determined by electrochemical detection. Parameters of the method were optimized for lowest detection limits and fast separation. The limits of detection were 3 x 10(-6) M for both TATP and HMTD, respectively This detection scheme is significantly easier to use than earlier methods applying photochemical decomposition, enzymatic post-column reaction and fluorescence detection for analysis of peroxide-based explosives.