Evaluation of 1,2-Indanedione and 5,6-Dimethoxy-1,2-Indanedione for the Detection of Latent Fingerprints on Porous Surfaces

Abstract

The ability of 1,2-indanedione and 5,6-dimethoxy-1,2-indanedione to detect latent prints on porous surfaces, as compared to DFO and ninhydrin, has been evaluated. Comparisons of prints developed under various conditions determined the optimum development conditions for the new reagents. The indanediones tested were found to have lower detection limits for glycine. The carrier solvent used was found to affect the quality of the prints developed. In Arklone, the new reagents developed prints that displayed superior luminescence to those developed with DFO. In HFE 7100, 1,2-indanedione and 5,6-dimethoxy-1,2-indanedione gave superior luminescence to DFO after zinc salt treatment and cooling with liquid nitrogen, both of which improve the luminescence of prints developed with 1,2-indanediones, 1,2-Indanediones could offer less expensive but effective alternatives to DFO. With further optimization, the new reagents may supersede DFO as the method of choice for the detection of latent fingerprints on porous surfaces.

Optimisation and evaluation of 1,2-indanedione for use as a fingermark reagent and its application to real samples

“…4) was proposed as a fingermark reagent in 1997 by Ramotowski et al [3] following research into ninhydrin analogues by Jouille and co-workers, in conjunction with the US Secret Service. Following this discovery researchers in Australia [4], Israel [5,6], the USA [7,8], the United Kingdom [9,10] and Canada [11] have conducted research into the capabilities of 1,2-indanedione as a fingermark reagent.…”

“…compared the ability of 1,2-indanedione and 5,6-dimethoxy-1,2-indanedione to detect latent fingermarks on paper to that of DFO and ninhydrin [4]. They concluded that the new reagents developed prints that displayed superior luminescence to those developed with DFO.…”

“…The influence of pH and the two carrier solvents HFE 7100 and HFC 4310mee was evaluated, with best results being obtained with 0.2% indanedione in HFE 7100 carrier solvent and 7% ethyl acetate [4]. Acetic acid, as recommended in all other formulations of 1,2-indanedione, is notably absent, with the researchers stating that the acid did not improve results and had a negative effect on the clarity of the fingermarks developed.…”

“…In 2000, Roux et al conducted a preliminary investigation into the position of 1,2-indanedione in the sequence with DFO and ninhydrin [4]. They concluded that 1,2-indanedione could be used in sequence with DFO but not with ninhydrin.…”

“…Fingermarks were deposited on the four different paper supports -white photocopy paper, recycled photocopy paper, lined white paper and newspaper -using a method adapted [4]. These fingermarks were aged from 1 day to 2 years.…”