Isotope ratio measurements for chemical provenance determination
EMSL Project ID
60277
Abstract
At its core, stable isotope analysis is a well-established technique for supporting chemical forensic attribution efforts. Here, we seek to employ non-traditional isotope methods by leveraging emerging instruments capabilities and cutting-edge approaches to enable increased scientific depth and richness of isotope data through site-specific isotope analysis within a chemical structure (versus traditional techniques which provide only an averaged isotope value over the entire molecule). Recognizing the need to evaluate the potentially large role that intramolecular isotope evaluation can play in chemical attribution efforts, we seek to provide an initial proof of principle test to evaluate the effectiveness of this method on samples of the synthesized sarin-precursor dimethyl methylphosphonic acid (DMMP). We hope to identify whether the site-specific/intramolecular approach can reveal the isotopic fingerprint of precursors and starting materials. We also seek to identify the extent to which isotopic clumping at specific bonds formed during chemical synthesis of these precursors record valuable process signatures (e.g., temperature of reaction, reaction duration, etc.) and can be leveraged to assist attribution efforts. If successful, this project would revolutionize the extent to which non-traditional stable isotope analysis can enhance chemical attribution efforts as well as potentially provide some level of detail on synthesis conditions (i.e., temperature of extent of reaction).
We tailored our proposed proof of concept experiments based on information relevant to previous sarin event site scenarios (e.g., Aum Shinrikyo attacks in Tokyo and the more recent attacks in Syria) to enable interpretation of these techniques for providing useful forensic information. If successful, these techniques could enhance both sarin attribution efforts as well as be applied to a wide number of additional chemical forensic efforts. The advances proposed here will complement other techniques in some circumstances while, in other cases, may be able to stand alone when other types of analyses are not feasible (i.e., due to contamination of analytes imposed by environmental exposure).
Project Details
Start Date
2022-01-22
End Date
N/A
Status
Active
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Co-Investigator(s)
Team Members