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Two Fatal Intoxications with Cyanohydrins
Shuiqing Zheng1, Xiaoliang Yuan2, Wei Wang1
1Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology, Shanghai Public Security Bureau, 803 Zhongshan Beiyi Road, Shanghai 200083, P.R. China Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence, Institute of Forensic Science, Shanghai Public Security Bureau, 803 Zhongshan Beiyi Road, Shanghai 200083, P.R. China.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|March 31, 2016
Summary
This study details a method for detecting extremely hazardous cyanohydrins, acetone cyanohydrin (ACH) and formaldehyde cyanohydrin (FCH), in biological samples. The method successfully identified these toxins in two fatal poisoning cases, aiding forensic analysis.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Analysis
Background:
- Cyanohydrins, such as acetone cyanohydrin (ACH) and formaldehyde cyanohydrin (FCH), are critical industrial precursors.
- These compounds are classified as extremely hazardous substances due to their potential for decomposition and toxicity.
- Accurate determination in biological samples is challenging but crucial for forensic investigations.
Observation:
- The study presents a two-part analytical method for cyanohydrin determination in biological matrices.
- Part one involves detecting hydrogen cyanide (HCN) using a Prussian blue reaction and HS-GC-MSD after chloramine-T derivatization.
- Part two quantifies acetone or formaldehyde using HS-GC-FID and SPME-GC-MSD.
Findings:
- The developed method was applied to two fatal intoxication cases involving ACH and FCH.
- Positive Prussian blue reactions were observed in both cases.
- Gas chromatography confirmed the presence of acetone and formaldehyde in the biological samples, consistent with pure standards.
Implications:
- This analytical approach provides a reliable method for identifying and quantifying cyanohydrins in forensic toxicology.
- The findings support the use of these techniques in investigating poisoning cases involving these hazardous substances.
- The study highlights the importance of advanced analytical methods in confirming cause of death in complex toxicological cases.