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Accidental Drowning or Foul Play?

By Monika I. Konaklieva

Accidental Drowning or Foul Play?


 

Abstract

This case was developed for use in the first semester of a sophomore organic chemistry laboratory to illustrate how a combination of techniques is usually required in the identification of chemical compounds. It involves a murder mystery with a forensic twist. Students are told that two bodies have recently been recovered from two different lakes. Due to a mix-up at the morgue, the coroner’s office is unable to determine which body came from which lake. The students’ task is to develop a methodology to solve this mystery as well as determine whether the deaths were the result of murder or mishap.  The case could also be used in instrumental analysis courses or adapted for a non-majors course in the general education curriculum.

   

Date Posted

05/26/2004

Overview

Objectives

  • Stimulate students’ interest in organic chemistry.
  • Acquaint students with the basics of compound identification.
  • Acquaint students with the importance of safe handling of different type of samples.

Keywords

Thin layer chromatography; organic extraction; chemical compound identification

  

Subject Headings

Analytical Chemistry
Chemistry (General)
Forensic Science
Organic Chemistry

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Laboratory

 

 

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