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Experiments for Modern Introductory Chemistry: Identification of Arson Accelerants by Gas Chromatography
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Abstract
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.
Keywords (Audience):
First-Year Undergraduate / GeneralKeywords (Domain):
Laboratory InstructionKeywords (Pedagogy):
Hands-On Learning / ManipulativesKeywords (Subject):
Forensic ChemistryCiting Articles
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This article has been cited by 13 ACS Journal articles (5 most recent appear below).
A Multi-Technique Forensic Experiment for a Nonscience-Major Chemistry Course
Paul S. Szalay, Lois Anne Zook-Gerdau, and Eric J. SchurterJournal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAPA Multi-Technique Forensic Experiment for a Nonscience-Major Chemistry Course
Paul S. Szalay, Lois Anne Zook-Gerdau, and Eric J. SchurterJournal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAPThis multi-technique experiment with a forensic theme was developed for a nonscience-major chemistry course. The students are provided with solid samples and informed that the samples are either cocaine or a combination of drugs designed to mimic the ...
Implementation of Gas Chromatography and Microscale Distillation into the General Chemistry Laboratory Curriculum as Vehicles for Examining Intermolecular Forces
Clifford M. Csizmar, Dee Ann Force, and Don L. WarnerJournal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAPImplementation of Gas Chromatography and Microscale Distillation into the General Chemistry Laboratory Curriculum as Vehicles for Examining Intermolecular Forces
Clifford M. Csizmar, Dee Ann Force, and Don L. WarnerJournal of Chemical Education2011 Article ASAPAs part of an NSF-funded Course Curriculum and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) project that seeks, in part, to increase student exposure to scientific instrumentation, a gas chromatography experiment has been integrated into the second-semester general ...
Inquiry-Based Arson Investigation for General Chemistry Using GC−MS
Marta K. Maurer, Michael R. Bukowski, Mary D. Menachery and Adam R. ZatorskyJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (3), 311-313Inquiry-Based Arson Investigation for General Chemistry Using GC−MS
Marta K. Maurer, Michael R. Bukowski, Mary D. Menachery and Adam R. ZatorskyJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (3), 311-313We have developed a two-week guided-inquiry laboratory in which first-semester general chemistry students investigate a suspected arson using gas chromatography−mass spectrometry and paper chromatography. In the process of evaluating evidence from the ...
An Economical Method for Static Headspace Enrichment for Arson Analysis
Bjorn OlesenJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (3), 314-315An Economical Method for Static Headspace Enrichment for Arson Analysis
Bjorn OlesenJournal of Chemical Education2010 87 (3), 314-315Static headspace analysis of accelerants from suspected arsons is accomplished by placing an arson sample in a sealed container with a carbon strip suspended above the sample. The sample is heated, cooled to room temperature, and then the organic ...
Got a Match? Ion Extraction GC–MS Characterization of Accelerants Adsorbed in Charcoal Using Negative Pressure Dynamic Headspace Concentration
Adam B. Hall , John E. Drugan , Barbara Anzivino and Leon J. Tilley , Laura R. IngallsJournal of Chemical Education2009 86 (1), 55Got a Match? Ion Extraction GC–MS Characterization of Accelerants Adsorbed in Charcoal Using Negative Pressure Dynamic Headspace Concentration
Adam B. Hall , John E. Drugan , Barbara Anzivino and Leon J. Tilley , Laura R. IngallsJournal of Chemical Education2009 86 (1), 55An undergraduate organic chemistry experiment demonstrating real-life application of GC–MS to arson accelerant identification is described. Students are given the task of comparing a sample recovered from a “crime scene” to that from a “suspect’s clothing”...
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- Received: August 03, 2009
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