- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Powders and Residues
- Examination
- Distance Determination
- Significance of Results
- Contact Shot
- Nitrite Residues
- Vaporous Lead Residues
- Residues Consistent with the Passage of a Bullet
- Residues Consistent with the Discharge of a Firearm
- Interpretation Challenges
- Reproduction of Results
- Nitrite Residue Patterns
- Shot Patterning
- Chemical Testing
- Shot Pattern Reproduction
- Selected Bibliography
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
Dithiooxamide Test
Home > Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination > Examination > Chemical Testing > Dithiooxamide Test
The Dithiooxamide Test (also known as the Rubeanic Acid Test) is a chemically specific chromophoric test for the presence of cuprous (copper-bearing) material. Copper-jacketed bullets represent a considerable percentage of ammunition evidence in criminal cases.
Copper is used in the following types of ammunition:
- Military and sporting jacketed bullets fabricated from gilding metal (a 90/10 copper/zinc alloy) or commercial bronze (a 95/5 copper/tin alloy)
- Rimfire bullets coated or plated with copper or brass (a 70/30 copper/zinc alloy)
- Revolver bullets with copper jackets
- Nickel-plated bullets, e.g. Silvertip bullets
As a result, the Dithiooxamide Test for cuprous material is frequently used because it detects copper-bearing material. The test identifies a bullet wipe or bullet splash caused by the copper-bearing particulate in the form of bullet jacket fragments found around the perimeter of a bullet hole. While the test is not particularly useful for distance determinations, it can detect residues consistent with the discharge of a firearm or the passage or impact of a copper-jacketed bullet.
