ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 July 2003
Page Count: 17

Characterization and Aging Study of Currency Ink and Currency Canine Training Aids Using Headspace SPME/GC-MS
(Received 16 February 2003; accepted 14 February 2003)

Abstract

Solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME/GC-MS) was used to characterize the volatile components associated with U.S. currency, U.S. currency inks, and Canadian currency. Compounds that can be attributed to the ink-curing process include series of straight-chain aldehydes, alkenals, acids, alcohols, and ketones and a series of lactones and 2-alkyl furans. Solvent compounds include naphthenic and paraffinic hydrocarbons with a profile typical of petroleum products, alkyl cyclohexanes, various ethylene glycol alkyl ethers, and traces of chlorinated solvents. Trace levels of 2-phenoxyethanol, a solvent often used in ink formulations, were also detected. Environmental contaminants, those compounds found in circulating currency but not in currency ink, include 2,2'-diethyl-1,1'-biphenyl, methyl benzoate and salicylate, menthol, limonene, dimethyl and diethyl phthalate, and ionol. Not including simple hydrocarbons, over 100 compounds were identified in the headspace of currency-related samples.

Keywords:
forensic science, solid-phase microextraction, U.S. currency, ink, Canadian currency, detector canines

Paper ID: JFS2002280
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2002280
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