The two routes were investigated using capillary gas chromatography combined with vapor phase Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and electron impact mass spectrometry detection and using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to identify 21 reaction byproducts. All samples were examined in the split mode, and reaction mechanisms for both routes leading to the target compound and various byproducts were evaluated. The investigation established numerous reaction byproducts in common between the two routes. Four route-specific compounds are identified to help the forensic chemist differentiate between the two routes. For Route 1A, route-specific compounds are the E- and Z-enol acetates of P2P; for Route 1B, route-specific compounds are bibenzyl and diphenylmethane. 54 references, 3 tables, and 15 figures (Author abstract modified)