NCJ Number
70238
Journal
Arson Analysis Newsletter Volume: 3 Issue: 6 Dated: (February 1980) Pages: 1-22
Date Published
1980
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Use of liquids, such as 2-cyanoethyl formamide (CEF) or 2-cyanoethoxy propane (TCEF), in the gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) examination of gasoline permits discrimination among gasolines with different aromatic components.
Abstract
Although silicones are the most widely used liquid phases in the GLC examination of arson evidence, definite contributions are made by polar liquids. In comparing known and unknown samples, particularly gasolines, an initial discrimination can be made using a nonpolar liquid phase such as SE-30 or OV-101. Further examination on a polar liquid such as CEF or TCEP allows gasolines not initially distinguished to be compared based upon the ratios of aromatic components. From the results of the two GLC examinations, the analyst can refine conclusions concerning possible common origin of the known and questioned samples. While limited, these conclusions can be of significant value in the laboratory examination of physical evidence in suspected arson cases. Tables and 20 references are included. (Author abstract modified)