Journal Published Online: 01 October 1982
Volume 27, Issue 4

Assessment of Solvents for the Recovery of Nitroglycerine from Hands Using Cotton Swabs

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Eight solvents were compared for their relative efficiency in removing nitroglycerine from the hands of persons handling explosives. The amount of interfering material also removed from the hands by the cotton swabs and the stability of the nitroglycerine in the solvent used were also investigated. Aqueous solvents yielded the best recoveries, when the extracts were partially purified by thin-layer chromatography before analysis, but the explosive was degraded rapidly by microorganisms that grew in the solutions. Of the aqueous, organic, and polar solvents tested, ethanol was found to offer the most complete, consistent, and stable recovery.

Author Information

Twibell, JD
Home Office Central Research Establishment, Aldermaston, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Home, JM
Home Office Central Research Establishment, Aldermaston, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Smalldon, KW
Home Office Forensic Science Laboratory, Euxton, Chorley, Lanes, United Kingdom
Higgs, DG
Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment, London, United Kingdom
Hayes, TS
Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment, London, United Kingdom
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12194J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12194J