Enhanced Mass Spectrometry Detection of Organic Explosives Using Ambient Desorption/Ionization and Adducting Agents

Mass spectrometry detects chemicals based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) in the gas phase after ionization from solid or liquid states. Ambient desorption/ionization (ADI), based on electrospray ionization (ESI), enhances detection through adduct formation, particularly for compounds that do not easily lose or gain protons. Monitoring adduct ions improves detection sensitivity and is preferred for identifying organic such as RDX, which are difficult to detect via deprotonation or protonation. Common adducts such as nitrate, acetate, or chloride have limitations in mass spectrometry due to their m/z overlapping with low-mass solvent contaminants. This study explores a novel adducting agent to improve organic explosive detection, increasing confidence in identification and sensitivity.

This poster was presented at ASMS 2025 in Baltimore, MD, USA.