Metabolic studies of explosives. 1--EI and CI mass spectrometry of metabolites of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene.

A series of metabolites of trinitrotoluene (TNT) have been synthesized and analysed by electron impact (EI) and chemical ionization (CI) mass spectrometry. Identification characteristics of these metabolites by their mass spectra have been determined. Differentiation of isomers is made possible by EI ions which are characteristic of the position of the methyl with regard to the nitro groups.