title: Using molecular recognition of beta-cyclodextrin to determine molecular weights of low-molecular-weight explosives by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
abstract: This study presents a novel method for determining the molecular weights of low molecular weight (MW) energetic compounds through their complexes of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) in a mass range of 500 to 1700 Da, avoiding matrix interference. The MWs of one composite explosive composed of 2,6-DNT, TNT, and RDX, one propellant with unknown components, and 14 single-compound explosives (RDX, HMX, 3,4-DNT, 2,6-DNT, 2,5-DNT, 2,4,6-TNT, TNAZ, DNI, BTTN, NG, TO, NTO, NP, and 662) were measured. The molecular recognition and inclusion behavior of beta-CD to energetic materials (EMs) were investigated. The results show that (1) the established method is sensitive, simple, accurate, and suitable for determining the MWs of low-MW single-compound explosives and energetic components in composite explosives and propellants; and (2) beta-CD has good inclusion and modular recognition abilities to the above EMs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Northwest University, Shaanxi Xi'an, China. zhangmin0801@126.com
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Zhen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.forename: Yinjuan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bai
authors.forename: Yong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Rongzu
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Fenqi
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zhao