Abstract

A method of identifying organic gunshot residue (GSR) is proposed as an alternative tool for unique identification in the forensic context. In recent trends of uses of non toxic/heavy metal free (HMF) ammunition, there must have been challenges in identification and detection of inorganic gunshot residue (GSR). The organic GSR preliminary emanate from the propellant of smokeless powder. Smokeless powder consists of either single base which is composed of nitrocellulose, double base which is composed of nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine or triple base which consists of nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine and nitro-guanidine. In order to preserve and lengthen the service life of smokeless powder different additives like stabilizer, plasticizer, flash inhibitors, coolant, moderate and surface lubricants etc were used.Through this article review, we have summarized the study of the detection of diphenylamine (DPA), ethylcentralite (EC), methylcentralite (MC), dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and N-nitrosodiphenylamine (N-nDPA), which are generally found in the stabilizer, flash inhibitors, plasticizers and degradation products of the smokeless powder which could be separated and detected from the UPLC-MS (Ultra performance liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometer). This persistence and detection of organic GSR will be helpful for the forensic experts for testimony in a court of law

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