Forensic Chemistry: Definition, Methods, Job Profile

Forensic Chemistry is the application and methods of chemical science which are used to solve or prove a crime. It helps in examining the crime scene and finding important clues using chemistry. It is done using numerous tools and instruments and is a very important part of solving a crime. This process is done by a Forensic Chemist who is legally appointed for the examination of the crime scene. Forensic Chemistry is a subfield of forensic science.

Key Takeaways: Forensic Chemistry, the role of Forensic Chemist, Methods used in Forensic Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Chromatography.

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Forensic Chemistry Definition

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Forensic Chemistry is a field of study within Chemical Sciences that uses chemical and toxicological applications to identify unknown variables in a crime scene. The tests are carried by specialists known as forensic chemists. These specialists carry out a wide range of methods and techniques to get results. Some of the major methods used in forensic chemistry are: 

• High Performance Liquid Chromatography
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
• Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
• Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
• Thin Layer Chromatography

Forensic Chemistry

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Who is a Forensic Chemist?

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A forensic chemist works in a lab and is hired for the investigation of a crime scene. They are either hired by a private investigation firm or by the government. The detectives and investigators collect the needed samples and then it is handed over to the forensic chemist for the test. A forensic chemist identifies measures and analyzes the sample evidence and finds out the relevant information. That information is put together by the detective or the investigator to solve the crime.

Forensic Chemist: Types of Evidence

A forensic chemist must know about Physics and Organic Chemistry. With the help of Organic Chemistry, scientists analyze the body samples to find the DNA or to identify any sort of toxicants. Forensic Chemists having advanced knowledge of Physics are sent to the crime scenes too. They examine the crime scene for things like blood patterns, type of injury or attack, range of the attack, etc. Forensic Chemists who are specialized in arson-related chemicals check for any type of explosives on the crime scene.

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Forensic Chemist Job Profile

The prime job of a Forensic Chemist is to collect the substances that are found on the crime scene and then analyze and find out how it is related to the crime. These chemists use chemistry, physics, and biology to find substances that can help in solving the crime. Their work involves tracing materials, drugs, and various other substances, they also use methods like Spectroscopy, Chromatography, and the use of infrared or ultraviolet lights to find the evidence. Mostly the samples found on the crime scenes are preserved and later the tests are carried out on them if required.

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Methods used in Forensic Chemistry

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Forensic Chemistry includes several methods and processes. However, the main two are Spectroscopy and Chromatography.

Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy is a method used in Forensic Chemistry for tracing evidence. It is mainly based on the absorption and emission of light and radiation by the substances depending upon the wavelength of the radiation. It also refers to the interactions between electrons, protons and ions, and their interaction with another particle as related to their collision energy. This method is commonly used to measure toxicity in the blood.

Forensic Mass Spectrometry

Chromatography

Certain mixtures are unknown and need to be broken down further into different components for examination. This process of separating the components of any mixture is known as Chromatography. First, the mixture is dissolved in a substance that is known as the mobile phase. Then, the mobile phase is added to the second substance known as the stationary phase, and then finally this mixture is separated into 2 or more components. This is commonly used in investigations that involve poisoning, explosions, etc.

High Performance Liquid Chromatography

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Things to Remember

• Forensic Chemistry is a part of Forensic Science. It is the use of knowledge of chemistry to help investigators in the solving of the crime. It is a very important part of the whole investigation
• A Forensic Chemist identifies and evaluates different substances found on the crime scene using different methods of Forensic Chemistry. Once they find any information it is then passed on to the detective to facilitate the process of solving the crime.
• The main two methods of Forensic Science are Spectroscopy and Chromatography.

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