Journal Published Online: 01 May 1996
Volume 41, Issue 3

The Ninhydrin Process in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Ninhydrin is a widely used reagent for the development of latent fingerprints on porous surfaces. For the past 20 years 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane (CFC113) has been used as the solvent of choice in the UK for ninhydrin because of its non-toxicity and non-flammability. With the phasing out of CFC solvents under the terms of the Montreal Protocol on the Control of Ozone Depleting Substances, the need for a suitable replacement has arisen. Supercritical CO2 has been found to be a potential replacement for CFC113 in the ninhydrin process. Furthermore, the present processes are two-stage (impregnation of reagent followed by development in an oven), whereas using supercritical CO2 development of fingerprints can be carried out in one stage.

Author Information

Hewlett, DF
Police Scientific Development Branch, Home Office, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England
Winfield, PGR
Police Scientific Development Branch, Home Office, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England
Clifford, AA
School of Chemistry, The University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Pages: 3
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Stock #: JFS13940J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13940J