ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 October 1981
Page Count: 8

Analysis of Fire Debris by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Stone, IC
Chief of Physcial Evidence Section, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Tex.

Daugherty, KE
Graduate student in chemistry and professor of chemistry, North Texas State University, Tex.

Bryce, KL
Graduate student in chemistry and professor of chemistry, North Texas State University, Tex.

(Received 6 March 1981; accepted 6 May 1981)

Abstract

This paper describes a new technique for analyzing fire debris using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Petroleum distillates, which are commonly used as accelerants, were weathered, burned, and steam-distilled. These, as well as virgin samples of the accelerants, were analyzed by gas chromatography and NMR spectroscopy. The use of NMR is described as a valuable adjunct to the existing methods of analysis.

Keywords:
criminalistics, accelerants, chemical analysis, fire debris, petroleum distillate, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Paper ID: JFS11422J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11422J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.