Organic Chemistry in Forensic Science

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In the early history of chemistry, all chemists found themselves performing analyses of one kind or another. In more recent times, analytical procedures have become much more sophisticated, and analytical chemistry has in consequence become a specialised branch of the subject. The skills of the analyst are now utilised not only by other chemists, but also by those carrying out investigations in fields such as forensic science, environmental science and the quality control of all manner of products. Some analytical techniques (for example the quantitative elemental analysis of organic compounds and the investigation of molecular structure by physical methods) have been considered in earlier chapters. 

In this chapter, we delve into the instrumental tools, techniques, and procedures utilized in forensic chemistry. The chapter is best thought of as akin to a ClijfsNotes of that enormous topic, a supplement to and summary of the many fine works listed in the "References" and "Further Reading" sections at the end of the chapter. For those who have recently taken an instrumental analysis course, much will be review for those who have not, enough information is provided to imderstand how and why the instruments are used and to understand information presented in the chapters that follow. Mass spectrometry and infrared spectrometry often are covered in an organic chemistry course, at least to the level of detail assumed here. The depth and breadth of each treatment corresponds to how widespread its application is in forensic chemistry. For example, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was introduced in the mid 198(te and is routinely used in many materials, environmental, and research laboratories. However, it is rarely applied to forensic chemistry and hence is omitted here. Conversely, microscopy is a staple of forensic science and is not frequently used in other analytical settings. The presentation of each method is necessarily concise and is meant to provide information requisite to an understanding of later topics it is not meant as a replacement for an instrumental anal)reis course. 

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