Journal Published Online: 01 November 1994
Volume 39, Issue 6

Differentiation of Diethyl Ether/Acetone and Ethanol/Acetonitrile Solvent Pairs, and Other Common Volatiles by Dual Column Headspace Gas Chromatography

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Gas chromatography is the most widely used method for the analysis of ethanol and other low molecular weight volatiles for forensic applications. Many laboratories use only a single analytical method for this analyte. Concern over the possible misidentification of acetonitrile as ethanol, and our experience in a case where we misidentified diethyl ether as acetone using a single method approach, led us to develop and adopt the dual column method described herein. Two columns, 5% carbowax on 60/80 Carbopak B, and 0.8% THEED on 80/100 carbopak C, were used for the complementary analysis of 32 common volatile organic compounds.

Author Information

Logan, BK
Washington State Toxicology Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Case, GA
Washington State Toxicology Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Kiesel, EL
Snohomish County Medical Examiners Office, Everett, WA
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS13742J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13742J