Analyzing Brazilian Vehicle Documents for Authenticity by Easy Ambient Sonic-Spray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

• NCJ Number: 240859
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2012 Pages: 539-543
• Author(s): Wanderson Romao, Ph.D.; Boniek G. Vaz, Ph.D.; Priscila M. Lalli, M.Sc.; Maria Izabel M.S. Bueno, Ph.D.; Deleon N. Correa, M.Sc.; Virginia L.C.N Telles, Ph.D.; Eustaquio V.R. de Castro, Ph.D.; Marcos N. Eberlin, Ph.D.
• Date Published: March 2012
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A method for the detection of counterfeit documents is described, and the falsification procedure is elucidated.

Abstract

Using desorption/ionization techniques such as easy ambient sonic-spray ionization mass spectrometry (EASI-MS), it is possible to analyze documents of Brazilian vehicles for authenticity, providing a chemical profile directly from the surface of each document. A method for the detection of counterfeit documents is described, and the falsification procedure is elucidated. Forty authentic and counterfeit documents were analyzed by both positive and negative ion modes, EASI(+/- )-MS. EASI(+)-MS results identified the presence of (bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate plasticizer and of dihexadecyldimethylammonium biocide in both types of documents. For EASI(-)-MS results, the 4-octyloxybenzoic acid additive ([M + H]+: m/z 249) is present only in counterfeit documents. It was also found that counterfeit vehicle documents are produced via Laserjet printers. Desorption/ionization techniques, such as EASI-MS, offer therefore, an intelligent way to characterize the counterfeiting method. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.