Characterisation of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) conformers using LC-NMR

Previous studies [1] and [2] have reported the existence of two conformers of TATP. This study demonstrates the ability of LC-NMR to separate and characterise the individual conformers. The NMR data is consistent with the proposed structures for the two conformers. Re-equilibration can be followed by NMR and the kinetics of the process studied.Over the past decade the use of the explosive TATP in terrorist devices has increased. Therefore, the ability to analyse and characterise this material has assumed greater importance.