ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 2 July 2002
Page Count: 8

Determination of Luminescent Europium β-Diketonates Used as Tracers for Shadowing Pursuits
Hirano, H
Forensic chemist, Criminal Investigation Laboratory,

Nagai, M
Associate professor, Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology,

Kurata, S
Forensic chemist, Criminal Investigation Laboratory,

(Received 4 January 2002; accepted 20 December 2002)

Abstract

Markers with red luminescence under ultraviolet light were used as tracers for shadowing pursuits in a variety of criminal cases. The luminescent markers consisted of a mixture of 1% europium _-diketonates in Vaseline as the carrier. The visual detection limit under ultraviolet light was 1–100 ppm. Six types of europium _-diketonates were extracted with acetonitrile and promptly identified using both fluorescence spectrophotometry and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry at the detection limits of 10–100 ppb. Vaseline was readily analyzed by gas chromatography. The markers were scientifically identified for criminal proof in the field of forensic science. Three examples of the use of luminescent markers are described.

Keywords:
forensic science, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, europium β-diketonates, fluorescence spectrophotometry, luminescent marker, Vaseline

Paper ID: JFS15449J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15449J
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