DMDNB Taggant
Definition
Dimethyldinitrobutane, a detection marker incorporated into plastic explosives (including Semtex) under the ICAO 1991 Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives; allows post-blast identification of compliant plastic explosives by GC-MS.
- Chemical name
- Dimethyldinitrobutane
- Purpose
- Detection marker for post-blast identification
- International standard
- ICAO 1991 Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives
- Detection method
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
Common questions
What is DMDNB taggant and why is it added to plastic explosives?+
DMDNB (dimethyldinitrobutane) is a chemical marker added to plastic explosives like Semtex under international law. It's there to make post-blast residue detectable by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), so investigators can identify which explosives were used in a blast.
What law requires DMDNB in plastic explosives?+
The ICAO 1991 Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives mandates that DMDNB be incorporated into plastic explosives. This international agreement ensures that compliant explosives can be traced after detonation.
How do investigators detect DMDNB after a blast?+
Forensic examiners use gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify DMDNB residues collected from a blast scene. The presence of the marker helps confirm which plastic explosive was used and supports the investigation.
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