NCJ Number
214612
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 56 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2006 Pages: 339-344
Date Published
May 2006
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study examined several brands of black shoe polish and solvents to determine the most appropriate solvent system for analysis by thin-layer chromatography of black shoe polish stains on fabric.
Abstract
Samples of black shoe polish stains from different black shoe polish brands can be distinguished from each other with the help of thin-layer chromatography. The most appropriate solvent system for analysis by thin-layer chromatography was n-butanol-ethanol water with the plate subsequently examined using visible light and ultraviolet light. It was the most suitable and reliable for the separation of black shoe polish components of all brands by thin-layer chromatography. The most suitable solvents for the extraction of black shoe polish stains were tetrahydrofuran and acetone. Shoe polish stains are commonly encountered in cases related to physical assaults. If analyzed properly, these stains can provide important corroborative physical evidence in linking the suspect with the victim or the crime scene. In addition, studies have found that black shoe polishes can be compared with positive results after 48 days of aging. Utilizing stains of six samples of different brands of black shoe polish, this study examined various solvents to determine which were the most suitable and reliable for the separation of black shoe polish components of all brands by thin-layer chromatography. Table, references and appendix