Acid throwing, a historical method for retribution against women, has become more prevalent in recent years. In 2017, the United Kingdom reported such incidents averaging twice per day. Concentrated acids and other corrosive substances have emerged as modern tools of social violence. Aggressors use common plastic containers with small openings that create a powerful directional spray, such as lemon or lime juice squeeze bottles.

Detection and regulation of acids may help to prevent such attacks. MIRA (Metrohm Instant Raman Analyzer) DS is an ideal solution for forensic investigation of suspicious containers. Large libraries, automated data collection and analysis, through-container interrogation, and a rugged, compact form factor all combine in MIRA DS to address this modern threat. This Application Note contains a discussion of how strong acids and corrosive bases appear in the Raman spectrum. Sulfuric and phosphoric acids were chosen for analysis through the plastic of a squeeze bottle, due to their highly corrosive nature and common usage.

Most acids and bases were sampled in their concentrated state. Distilled water was used to prepare acid dilutions. Sodium hydroxide was prepared as a saturated aqueous solution. All samples were placed in glass vials and inserted into the Vial Holder attachment on MIRA DS for initial analysis (Figure 1).

When possible, Hit Quality Index (HQI) values, which indicate spectral correlation, were included in Figure 1. Polyprotic acid dilution reveals the sensitivity of the Raman spectrum to protonation state, both visually and through HQI values. For example, HQI values for dilute phosphoric acid solutions suffer when compared to a library spectrum of concentrated acid, while sulfuric acid (SA) dilutions maintain high HQI values against library spectra of concentrated H₂SO₄.

Of note is the poor Raman response of very small molecules such as hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Because Raman spectroscopy measures the vibrational energy of molecular bonds, there is very little information in a Raman spectrum of molecules with only ionic and O–H bonds. Such materials cannot be adequately identified through library matching.

Phosphoric acid was introduced into a plastic lemon-shaped squeeze bottle and analyzed through the plastic using the Long Working Distance (LWD) attachment (focal length = 8 mm). Sulfuric acid was treated in an identical manner.

A distinct spectrum was acquired for each sample. Comparison of library and experimental spectra confirms peak presence from both the acid and the polyethylene container for each sample (Figure 2 and Figure 3).

For the best success in a similar application, MIRA DS users would build Raman libraries containing common, locally available corrosive substances and containers. Custom libraries enable MIRA to provide accurate identification in real-world scenarios.

Modern methods of material identification are required to challenge modern threats. Acid throwing is just one example where MIRA’s small size, fast through-container analysis, and flexible library capabilities enable forensic investigation of suspicious containers. If we can help authorities identify the threat, we can help them prevent damage to society.