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Chemical Development of Latent Fingerprints: Computational Design of Ninhydrin Analogues

NCJ Number
184320
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 45 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2000 Pages: 757-760
Author(s)
Ron Elber Ph.D.; Arie Frank Ph.D.; Joseph Almog Ph.D.
Date Published
July 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Semi-empirical calculations focused on explaining the small effects of most modifications on the color and the absorption of the chemical reagent called ninhydrin used for the development of latent fingerprints.
Abstract
The research used the HyperChem package for all the computations. The research produced the optimal structural models for the ground statue by using the AMI Hamiltonian. Results revealed why past attempts to improve the widely used ninhydrin gave relatively small improvements related to color. The optical transition was connected with a transition core and therefore was influenced little by substitution on the aromatic rings. The research also suggested new ninhydrin analogues such as thiono derivatives, with a significant potential. However, all attempts to prepare the thiono analogues of the ninhydrin have failed. The results for another compound are not known. Figures, table, and 11 references (Author abstract modified)