ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 9

Photoluminescent Enhancement of Ninhydrin Developed Fingerprints by Metal Complexation: Structural Studies of Complexes Formed Between Ruhemann's Purple and Group IIb Metal Salts
Lennard, CJ
Research student and professor, Australian National University,

Sterns, M
Senior tutor, Chemistry Department, The Faculties, Australian National University,

Margot, PA
professor, Institut de Police scientifique et de criminologie, Université de Lausanne,

Warrener, RN
Research student and professor, Australian National University,

(Received 27 May 1986; accepted 24 June 1986)

Abstract

Ruhemann's purple (RP), formed in the ninhydrin development of latent fingerprints, readily coordinates to a number of metal cations. The luminescent behavior of the Group IIb complexes has been used in the enhancement of fingerprints developed with ninhydrin. Spectroscopic evidence is presented which indicates that all three complexes have similar structures. The structure of the cadmium complex has been determined by X-ray diffraction and found to contain a 1:1 ratio of metal to chelating agent (RP). The properties of this complex suggest that it is the active agent in the cadmium(II) promoted photoluminescence of ninhydrin developed fingerprints. Coordinated water in the complex explains the need for moisture in the enhancement procedure.

Keywords:
criminalistics, fingerprints, Ruhemann's purple, cadmium, ninhydrin, cadmium complexes, IIb metal complexes, photoluminescence, X-ray diffraction

Paper ID: JFS12364J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12364J
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