Publication

12. Mar 2025

Detailed diagram of the CG-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) process used to analyze chemical components: 1. Injection: The sample is introduced into the gas chromatograph (GC) through the GC inlet, where it vaporizes and enters the carrier gas, progressing to the column. 2. Separation: Inside the GC column the sample components are separated. The separated molecules then elute through a heated transfer line into the mass spectrometer (MS). 3. Ionization: Inside the MS, the neutral molecules are ionized and fragmented using high energy. 4. Ions Separation and Detection: Ultimately, the mass analyzer inside the MS separates the ions by their masses, and the ion detector amplifies and records the signal, then translating the information on a computer.

CNTR Fact Sheet by Carmen García López

The CNTR Fact Sheet by Carmen García López (CNTR/PRIF) provides an overview of the main analytical techniques used by the OPCW designated laboratories to analyze environmental and biological samples that could point to the presence of chemical warfare agents. In addition, the example of the sarin poisoning in Syria is used to show how chemical warfare agents can be detected in a real forensic case.

Bibliographic record

García López, Carmen. “Identifying Chemical Warfare Agents Through Analytical Chemistry”, CNTR Fact Sheet, March 2025, 12.03.2025.

Open Access publication

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