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Bromobenzene

Definition

C6H5Br, density 1.50 g/cm3; the lighter component of the forensic density-gradient liquid mixture.

Formula
C6H5Br
Density
1.50 g/cm3
Role
Lighter component of density-gradient liquid mixture
Application
Forensic soil and mineral density gradient

Common questions

Why is bromobenzene paired specifically with bromoform in density-gradient work?+

The two liquids are fully miscible and their densities bracket the range typical of soil minerals and glass fragments, so mixing them in different proportions produces a continuous gradient column that separates particles by density between the two extremes.

What precaution does bromobenzene's use require in a forensic laboratory?+

As a halogenated aromatic solvent, it requires fume-hood handling and proper waste disposal, and analysts must avoid skin contact and inhalation, following standard laboratory chemical-safety protocols for volatile halogenated organics.

Related terms

Bromoform
CHBr3, density 2.89 g/cm3; the denser component of the forensic density-gradient liquid mixture, used to create the bottom of the density range.
D-Spacing
The perpendicular distance between adjacent parallel planes of atoms in a crystal lattice, measured in angstroms or nanometres. Each set of planes...
Density-Gradient Column
Glass column filled with stepwise layers of liquids of decreasing density (commonly bromoform 2.89 g/cm3 and bromobenzene 1.50 g/cm3 mixed in known...
Diatom Frustule
The siliceous cell wall of a diatom, composed of biogenic opal; species-specific in shape and ornament, and resistant to degradation in soil...
Forensic Palynology
The application of pollen and spore analysis to legal investigations. A forensic palynologist identifies the species composition of pollen assemblages from crime-scene...
Heavy-Mineral Fraction
The sub-fraction of soil mineral grains with density above 2.85 g/cm3, including pyroxene, hornblende, garnet, zircon, rutile, and tourmaline; particularly diagnostic of...
Indicator Species (Pollen)
Pollen taxa with restricted geographic ranges or specific habitat requirements, contrasted with background species that occur everywhere; indicator species provide site-specific geographic...
Laser Diffraction (PSD)
A particle-size analysis technique that measures the angular distribution of laser light scattered by suspended particles to produce a continuous grain-size distribution...
Murray-Tedrow Framework
The tiered forensic-soil comparison protocol established by Raymond Murray and John Tedrow in their 1992 text 'Forensic Geology,' which organises soil examination...
Powder XRD
X-ray diffraction analysis of a finely ground mineral sample, producing a diffractogram with peaks at positions (2θ angles) diagnostic of crystalline mineral...
Sporopollenin
The highly chemically inert polymer forming the outer wall (exine) of pollen grains and spores. Resistant to acid, alkali, oxidation, and biological...

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