Forensic Application of Headspace Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (HS-GC-FID) to the Examination of Persistence and Transfer of Fragrance

Abstract

Transferred trace fragrances can properly be used in forensic reconstruction scenarios and
can help to identify contacts between objects or people. The aim of this work was to study the
application of Dynamic Headspace Gas Chromatography equipped with flame Ionization detector (DHS-GC-FID) to the detection of perfume traces on fabrics and the transfer of perfume from fabric contact. Perfume were deposited on white cotton swatches and kept at room temperature for 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours before analyzing by DHS-GC-FID. The most often found fragrance ingredients wereα-pinene, ß-pinene, d-limonene and terpinene. The persistence of perfume on cotton cloths was investigated. Approximately 90% losses in the contents of all perfume components were observed in the samples collected at 1 hours after deposition. However, the perfume components on the cloths kept for 24 hours were still detected (< 5%). The dynamics of perfume transfer as a factor of perfume contact time was also studied by placing another cotton swatch in contact with the one with perfume deposition. The longer contact time (10 - 60 minutes) contributed to a higher number of perfume components being transferred onto the contact cotton swatch. The results suggested that when the perfume component was more volatile the less persistence of it on the fabric would be and the perfume components was less likely to be transferred onto another swatch. This study demonstrates the capability of the method used to identify the fragrance transfer that may be applicable in cases of forensic examination.