Abstract

Ten solvent systems for differentiating the samples of petrol, diesel, and kerosene were studied. The effectiveness of various solvent
systems to separate the constituents was examined. Ten solvent systems were inspected from which the solvent system containing
xylene: acetone: toluene in the ratio of 20:20:1 (v/v/v) was observed to be best, as the degree of separation is comparatively high.
Thin-layer chromatography chromatograms of the petrol, diesel, and kerosene were studied separately under an ultraviolet chamber,
and vanillin with concentrated sulfuric acid was used as a spraying agent. This study can help to determine the adulteration in petrol
and diesel and kerosene and also for analysis of residues generally encountered as accelerants in fire and arson cases.