Amethod of identifying organic gunshot residue (GSR) is proposed as an alterna tive tool for unique identifcation in the forensic context. In recent trends of usesof non toxic/heavy metal free (HMF) ammunition, there must have been challenges in identifcation and detection of inorganic gunshot residue (GSR). Te organic GSR preliminary emanate from the propellant of smokeless powder. Smokeless powder consists of either single base which is composed of nitrocellulose, double base which is composed of nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine or triple base which consists of nitrocellulose, nitroglycerine and nitro-guanidine. In order to preserve and lengthen the service life of smokeless powder different additives like stabilizer, plasticizer, flash inhibitors, coolant, moderate and surface lubricants etc were used.
Trough this article review, we have summarized the study of the detection of diphenylamine (DPA), ethylcentralite (EC), methylcentralite (MC), dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and N-nitrosodiphenylamine (N-nDPA), which are generally found in the stabilizer, flash inhibitors, plasticizers and degradation products of the smokeless powder which could be separated and detected from the UPLC-MS (Ultra performance liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometer). Tis persistence and detection of organic GSR will be helpful for the forensic experts for testimony in a court of law.