Experiments for Modern Introductory Chemistry:: Identification of Arson Accelerants by Gas Chromatography

• Dianne M. Elderd ^[1] ; Nicholas K. Kildahl ^[1] ; Ladislav H. Berka ^[1]
  1. [1] Worcester Polytechnic Institute

     Worcester Polytechnic Institute

     City of Worcester, Estados Unidos

     
• Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 73, Nº 7 (July), 1996, págs. 675-677
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • An experiment is described in which students use headspace gas chromatography to isolate and identify arson accelerants using both liquid and char samples. In this way they gain the experience with an important GC technique, have an opportunity to use the "zoom" feature of the GC software, and are given an introduction to forensic analysis. The accelerants used are readily available from local vendors. Specifics are given concerning the equipment and software needed and the procedure used to obtain the char samples. This experiment incorporates the Discovery approach and the use of modern instrumentation which anticipates the workplace experience.