ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 July 1982
Page Count: 6

Analysis of Chemical Protection Sprays by Gas Chromatography/mass Spectroscopy
Nowicki, J
Forensic scientist, Bureau of Scientific Services, Illinois Department of Law Enforcement,

(Received 1 September 1981; accepted 2 December 1981)

Abstract

Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) is a rapid and sensitive technique for the identification of the active ingredients of commercially available chemical protection sprays. Chloroacetophenone (CN) and o-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS) are easily extracted from the liquid sprays with methanol. A basic aqueous extraction procedure is needed for sprays containing capsaicin. Residues can be further purified by preparative thin-layer chromatography. Clothing can also be analyzed for the presence of tear gas residue. The compound CN can be identified by analyzing a heated vapor headspace sample of the cloth by GC/MS. A hexane wash of the cloth is needed for identification of CS and capsaicin.

Keywords:
criminalistics, chemical analysis, tear gases

Paper ID: JFS12178J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12178J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.