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2007
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In the Laboratory
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Chemical Composition of Latent Fingerprints by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. An Experiment for an Instrumental Analysis Course
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Brittany Hartzell-Baguley, Rachael E. Hipp, Neal R. Morgan, and Stephen L. Morgan
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of South Carolina, Columbia Campus, Columbia, SC 29208
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April 2007
Vol. 84 No. 4
p. 689
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| Abstract |
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With recent advances in modern technology, forensic scientists have begun to examine whether more information than just ridge patterns might be obtained from fingerprints left at a crime scene. Analysis of the chemical composition of fingerprints could allow a suspect pool to be reduced even if the prints obtained from the scene were smudged or patterns were not matched in a database. This forensic-based experiment is designed for upper-division chemistry majors taking an instrumental analysis course. Students collect their own latent fingerprints and then extract various chemical components from the residue including fatty acids and cholesterol. Using a common silylating agent, the constituents are derivatized for analysis by gas chromatography (GC) with quadrupole mass spectrometric (MS) detection. From chromatographic retention times and MS data, students can identify the components present in their fingerprint residue and compare their results, demonstrating the existence of compositional differences and the presence of certain chemical markers which have the potential to be used for individualization.
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| Supplement |
Instructions for the students and notes for the instructor are available.
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| More Information |
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Citation |
Hartzell-Baguley, Brittany; Hipp, Rachael E.; Morgan, Neal R.; Morgan, Stephen L. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 689.
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Keywords |
Analytical Chemistry; Applications of Chemistry; Forensic Chemistry; Gas Chromatography; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Laboratory Instruction; Mass Spectrometry; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
3/6/2007
3/8/2007
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 Caution! | | Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations. |
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