Ignition fluids as objects of chemical research in the investigation of arson crimes

Abstract

In connection with the development of modern industry, various means appear to make the life of citizens easier, but this is also used by criminals, modifying, and sometimes leaving some objects in their original state. This is exactly what happened with a new type of ignition means – liquids for lighting firewood and charcoal. Criminals began to use such liquids as a means of crime when setting fire to buildings, structures, cars. The article discusses the physicochemical study of liquids for ignition, sold in the retail trade network as a product for lighting firewood and coal. The wide selection and availability of these objects allows them to be used in the commission of crimes related to arson. The paper considers the range of liquids for ignition with the establishment of their chemical composition, compliance with the composition declared by the manufacturer. A study of eleven samples, often found in the sale of means for ignition, was carried out by gas chromatography using a gas chromatograph Kristall-5000.2 with a flame ionization detector, in addition, the obtained compositions were compared with the manufacturer's declared on the label. It was found that for a number of samples the compositions differ from those declared, for example, the manufacturer declared a mixture of hydrocarbons for the ignition fluid "Lighter", but in fact only methanol, the fluid for ignition "FLAME" declared a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons, and in fact, ethanol, ethyl acetate and diethyl acetate. Thus, the manufacturer, trying to save on ingredients and production methods, uses cheaper and simpler chemical compositions.