Journal Published Online: 01 March 2001
Volume 46, Issue 2

Compositional Analysis for Identification of Arson Accelerants by Electron Ionization Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Elemental compositions of each of 100 to 500 different constituents (i.e., every peak in a mass-to-charge ratio range, 50 < m/z < 300) of lighter fluid, kerosene, turpatine, gasoline, diesel fuel, and two brands of mineral spirits (and their weathered analogs) make possible direct identification of each accelerant in a experimental fire, based on electron ionization 6.0 Tesla Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (EI FT-ICR) ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry. Septum injection of as little as 500 nL of accelerant into an all-glass heated inlet system yields definitive elemental compositions (molecular formulas) based on accurate (< ±1 ppm average error) mass measurement alone. Extraction and EI FT-ICR mass analysis of fire debris from a controlled burn of a couch with simple (lighter fluid) and complex (turpatine) ignitable liquid yielded dozens of elemental compositions serving as a unique “fingerprint” for each petroleum product, despite the presence of up to 249 additional extracted matrix and pyrolysis components. Forty-five of 56 lighter fluid constituents and 126 of 133 turpatine constituents (not counting 13C-containing species) were identified in the debris from a fire staged for each respective accelerant.

Author Information

Rodgers, RP
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Blumer, EN
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Freitas, MA
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Marshall, AG
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Pages: 12
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Stock #: JFS14959J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14959J