Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
10255467 | Science & Justice | 2014 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
Using a desorption/ionization technique, easy ambient sonic-spray ionization coupled to mass spectrometry (EASI-MS), documents related to the 2nd generation of Brazilian Real currency (R$) were screened in the positive ion mode for authenticity based on chemical profiles obtained directly from the banknote surface. Characteristic profiles were observed for authentic, seized suspect counterfeit and counterfeited homemade banknotes from inkjet and laserjet printers. The chemicals in the authentic banknotes' surface were detected via a few minor sets of ions, namely from the plasticizers bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), most likely related to the official offset printing process, and other common quaternary ammonium cations, presenting a similar chemical profile to 1st-generation R$. The seized suspect counterfeit banknotes, however, displayed abundant diagnostic ions in the m/z 400-800 range due to the presence of oligomers. High-accuracy FT-ICR MS analysis enabled molecular formula assignment for each ion. The ions were separated by 44Â m/z, which enabled their characterization as Surfynol® 4XX (S4XX, XXÂ =Â 40, 65, and 85), wherein increasing XX values indicate increasing amounts of ethoxylation on a backbone of 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol (Surfynol® 104). Sodiated triethylene glycol monobutyl ether (TBG) of m/z 229 (C10H22O4Na) was also identified in the seized counterfeit banknotes via EASI(+) FT-ICR MS. Surfynol® and TBG are constituents of inks used for inkjet printing.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Authors
Eduardo Morgado Schmidt, Marcos Fernando Franco, Karen Gomes Regino, Eraldo Luiz Lehmann, Marco Aurélio Zezzi Arruda, Werickson Fortunato de Carvalho Rocha, Rodrigo Borges, Wanderley de Souza, Marcos Nogueira Eberlin, Deleon Nascimento Correa,