TATP– unusual way of preparation, something to be aware of

International Conference on Forensic Research & Technology

October 15-17, 2012 DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago-Northshore, USA

Jiri Pachman and Robert Matyas

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Forensic Res

Abstract :

The organic peroxide explosive TATP (3,3,6,6,9,9-hexamethyl-1,2,4,5,7,8-hexoxonane) is regularly encountered by law enforcement agents in various stages of its production. Standard preparation ways including reaction of acetone and hydrogen peroxide (30%) with the aid of acid catalysts are well described and precursors are easy to identify. TATP however forms under variety of conditions some of which are not so commonly known. This contribution describes one of the less well known preparation ways to this explosive starting with the same materials but going through different intermediates due to a different reaction course. The resulting product is a mixture many substances that give it appearance and odor very different from what would one expect from TATP. The goal is to make this information available to law enforcement agencies and especially to those in the front lines.

Biography :

Jiri Pachman has completed his Ph.D at the age of 29 years from University of Pardubice. Then he joined Energetic Materials Research Center, Nanyang Technological University and after almost two years returned to Pardubice where he became member of the staff at the Institute of Energetic Materials.