Journal Published Online: 01 May 2000
Volume 45, Issue 3

Reagents for the Chemical Development of Latent Fingerprints: Scope and Limitations of Benzo[f]ninhydrin in Comparison to Ninhydrin

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Benzo[f]ninhydrin was compared to ninhydrin for fingerprint development on paper. Overall, the performance of ninhydrin on exhibits was slightly better than that of benzo[f]ninhydrin. The significant advantages of the benzo[f]ninhydrain over ninhydrin were the much stronger fluorescence it gave after treatment with zinc salts and a slightly quicker reaction under ambient conditions. This fluorescence is, however, similar to that obtained with other reagents, such as DFO or ninhydrin analogs. These advantages apparently are not sufficient to justify regular usage of benzo[f]ninhydrin, especially when one considers its low solubility and high cost.

Author Information

Almog, J
Israel Police National H.Q., Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Jerusalem, Israel Casali Institute of Applied Chemistry, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
Sears, VG
Fingerprint Research Group, Police Scientific Development Branch, Home Office, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, St. Albans, UK
Springer, E
Israel Police National H.Q., Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Jerusalem, Israel
Hewlett, DF
Fingerprint Research Group, Police Scientific Development Branch, Home Office, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, St. Albans, UK
Walker, S
Fingerprint Research Group, Police Scientific Development Branch, Home Office, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge, St. Albans, UK
Wiesner, S
Israel Police National H.Q., Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Jerusalem, Israel
Lidor, R
DIFS, Israel Police
Bahar, E
DIFS, Israel Police
Pages: 7
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Stock #: JFS14726J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14726J