Identification of petroleum distillates from fire debris using multidimensional gas chromatography

Abstract

A method for identifying petroleum distillates (accelerants) in fire debris samples by dynamic headspace analysis and multidimensional gas chromatography is described. The method relies on the separation of target compounds characteristic of different petroleum distillate classes from interfering co-eluting and matrix components. A relatively nonpolar column is used to characterize the volatility distribution of the sample and heartcutting to a second polar column of certain fractions to separate target compounds from interferences unresolved on the first column. The method is demonstrated for the identification of gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, and paint thinners in simulated arson samples.