Hydrocarbon forensic chemistry: exploring multiple fronts-a minireview

Area of Science:

• Forensic Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Hydrocarbons are prevalent in numerous forensic contexts, including fuels, explosives, and toxicology.
• Effective hydrocarbon analysis is essential for accurate forensic investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of hydrocarbon analysis in forensic chemistry.
• To emphasize the significance of hydrocarbon analysis across various forensic disciplines.

Main Methods:

• Review of analyses conducted at the National Institute of Criminalistics of the Brazilian Federal Police.
• Comprehensive literature review on hydrocarbon analysis in forensic science.

Main Results:

• Hydrocarbon analysis is crucial for investigations involving transportation fuels, fire debris, explosives, and environmental samples.
• The study details the application and importance of hydrocarbon analysis in drug and toxicology cases.
• Experience from Brazilian Federal Police and literature review underscore the broad utility of hydrocarbon analysis.

Conclusions:

• Hydrocarbon analysis plays a pivotal role in advancing forensic investigations across multiple domains.
• This review offers a unique perspective on the multifaceted importance of hydrocarbons in forensic chemistry.
• The findings contribute to a better understanding of hydrocarbon analysis within the forensic community.