EXPERIMENT NO.

7
Determination of Gunpowder Nitrates
(Paraffin-Diphenylamine Test)

I. Introduction:
In order to determine whether a person has fired a gun, paraffin or diphenylamine Test is
used. The presence of gunpowder nitrates becomes the basis of this test. The extraction of
gunpowder nitrates is done by pouring the warm melted paraffin wax on the hands of the
gunman and/or victim which will thus cause the skin pores to open and exude the gunpowder
residue. The paraffin cast is strengthened by adding more layers of cotton. These particles stick
to the paraffin cast and appearing as blue specks when diphenylamine (DPA) reagent is added
on the cast. Usually, the specks are found on the thumb and forefingers. Nitrates from other
sources like fertilizer as well as other substances similar to nitrate known as oxidizers also
reacts with the reagent in the same manner. The appearance of blue coloration indicates the
presence of nitrates, however, a blue coloration with tailings indicates the presence of
gunpowder nitrates. Other factors such as the location and distribution of the specks serve as
the bases in eliminating other possible sources of oxidizers.

II. Objective: To analyze the procedures involved in paraffin casting and to organize
the test for the presence of nitrates.

III. Materials needed:

a. Paraffin wax e. Absorbent cotton

b. Burner f. Bond paper (2 sheets)

c. Tong or forceps g. Beaker or Casserole

d. Diphenylamne (DPA)

IV. Instructions:

1. Prepare to heat a sufficient amount of paraffin wax in a casserole or beaker

2. Instruct the subject to wash his hands with water without using any
soap/detergent. Thereafter, let him wipe his hands with clean absorbent
cotton cloth.
 3. Place the subject’s hands on a clean sheet of bond paper - palms facing the
downward and fingers closed together. His name and signature must be
written on the paper for proper identification.

4. Pour an ideal amount of cotton on the melted paraffin wax from the thumb
and the index finger and dorsal portion to the little finger side of the hands
using the tong or forceps.

5. Cover the subject’s hand with the first layer of cotton and subsequently cover
it with additional layers of paraffin wax.

6. Repeat number five procedure.

7. Wait for about 30 minutes to allow the wax to cool and harden before peeling
them off.

8. Instruct the subject to slowly move his fingers first and then move his hands
gently out from the cast. Remind the subject not to wash his hands with
water immediately to avoid injury.

9. Indicate on the bond paper the case number, name of the subject, time and
date, name and signature of the technician who took the cast, name of
witnesses, and label the right and left hand.

10. Apply drops of diphenylamine reagent on both paraffin casts and

observe the color reaction.

11. Cover the paraffin cast by placing another bond paper on top and

staple together.

12. Place the paraffin case in a brown envelope or box to ensure

proper preservation.

13. Conclude by stating what you have learned from this

experiment.

V. FINDINGS:

VI. CONCLUSION:
 Students’ 1. Group
names No.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Year & Date:

Professor: Score:

School: Grade:

EXPERIMENT NO. 8
UV Examination in Entrapment Cases

I. Introduction:

Paper money also called banknote is commonly used in police buy-bust/entrapment operations.
The money, dusted with Ultraviolet powder, is invisible by the naked eye but under the UV
radiation it glows brightly in the dark. The use of this technology has greatly contributed in the
solution many crimes as in illegal recruitment, extortion, and illegal drugs entrapment. Once
touched, the UV powder remains invisible on the suspect’s hands and fingers and becomes
visible only with the aid of a UV light.

II. Objective: To determine the physical properties of Ultraviolet powder under normal
and UV light.

III. Materials:

1. UV powder (Naphthacene)
 2. Ultraviolet lamp - 365
3. Paper money/banknote in different denominations
4. Photocopy of paper money money/banknote showing its serial numbers
5. White envelope
6. Marker
7. Bond paper
8. Clean paint brush

IV. Instructions:

1. Dust the paper money/banknote with UV powder using a clean paint brush.
2. Observe the color change if there’s any.
3. Secure the dusted money in an envelope.
4. Prepare a separate bond paper for a palmar, dorsal drawing of your hand, and
another one for drawing shirt and pants.
5. Take out and hold the dusted paper money/banknote in an envelope.
6. Subject will hold the dusted money using bare hands.
7. Examine the both hands of the subject and the dusted money in a dark room.
8. Make the necessary markings “X” as to the location of the UV powder viewed
under the UV light on the photocopy drawings of your hands and that of the shirt
and pants. These markings will be done by your assistant.
9. Indicate the name of assisting person under the clause: “Observed by.”

V. Illustrations:
VI. Observations: