A Method for Forensic Identification of Vegetable Oil Stains-Rapid Analysis of Carboxylic Acids with Methyl Esterification Using Purge-and-Trap Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

A simple method using purge-and-trap gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (P&T-GC/MS) for forensic examination of oil stains was studied. Carboxylic acids, chosen as target components for discrimination of oil samples, were extracted from stains with ether, methyl esterified by tetramethylammoni...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of forensic sciences 2001-11, Vol.46 (6), p.1462-1468
Main Authors: Ehara, Y, Sakamoto, K, Marumo, Y
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:A simple method using purge-and-trap gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (P&T-GC/MS) for forensic examination of oil stains was studied. Carboxylic acids, chosen as target components for discrimination of oil samples, were extracted from stains with ether, methyl esterified by tetramethylammonium hydroxide, and analyzed by P&T-GC/MS. Vegetable oils were discriminated according to their carboxylic acid compositions. Carboxylic acid composition was independent of the substrate material of the stain. Although the carboxylic acid composition of the oil changed on exposure to sunlight, identification of oil was possible for oil stains that had been in the shade, if analysis was made within 20 days.
ISSN:0022-1198
1556-4029
DOI:10.1520/JFS15172J