From crime scene to laboratory: A case study of a comprehensive investigation into an IBX-induced explosion

An explosion in an industrial filtering unit, resulting in a fatality, triggered a comprehensive forensic investigation. Sixteen pieces of evidentiary materials were collected from the scene of occurrence. The chemical residue at the explosion's origin was identified as 2-IodoxyBenzoic Acid (IBX) using NMR spectroscopy. IBX's shock-sensitive explosive nature became the focal point of the investigation. A comparative analysis, using the confirmed IBX as a reference standard, was conducted to detect its presence in other collected evidentiary materials. As no established methods for IBX analysis were available, novel high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques were developed and validated. The optimized HPTLC method, using a 9:1 ethyl acetate and methanol solvent system and UV visualization at 254 nm, provided reliable Rf values for IBX identification. This was further supported by UV-Vis spectroscopy, which confirmed the characteristic absorption patterns of IBX. The investigation successfully linked several evidence items to the explosion through the detection of IBX. This case underscores the complementary role of crime scene investigation and chemical analysis, where meticulous fieldwork combined with innovative laboratory techniques led to the resolution of the case. Furthermore, the development of a validated HPTLC method for IBX provides a valuable tool for future forensic investigations, enhancing the forensic community's capability to address similar incidents.