Detection of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 via GC-MS

J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2012 May;23(5):996-9. doi: 10.1007/s13361-012-0353-7. Epub 2012 Feb 23.

Abstract

The spermicide nonoxynol-9 is actually a complex mixture of dozens of closely related amphiphilic compounds, and the chemical properties of this assortment significantly hamper its characterization by GC-MS. The inability to perform routine GC-MS testing on nonoxynol-9 has limited its evidentiary value in forensic casework, which relies heavily on this technique for analysis. A disturbing trend in sexual assault is the use of condoms by assailants, to avoid leaving behind DNA evidence that can connect a perpetrator to a victim. This observation necessitates the development of alternative methods for the analysis of trace evidence that can show causal links between a victim and a suspect. Detection of lubricants associated with sexual assault is one such way to establish this connection. The development of GC-MS methods that permit facile detection of both nonoxynol-9 alone and nonoxynol-9 extracted from other complex matrices that have potential as trace evidence in sexual assault is reported. A detection limit of 2.14 μg of nonoxynol-9 is demonstrated, and a detailed mass spectral profile that elaborates on what is known of its structure is provided.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Forensic Medicine
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Limit of Detection
  • Methylene Chloride
  • Nonoxynol / analysis*
  • Nonoxynol / isolation & purification
  • Spermatocidal Agents / analysis*
  • Spermatocidal Agents / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Spermatocidal Agents
  • Nonoxynol
  • Methylene Chloride