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Ninhydrin Thiohemiketals: Basic Research Towards Improved Fingermark Detection Techniques Employing Nano-Technology

NCJ Number
229707
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2010 Pages: 215-220
Author(s)
Jospeh Almog, Ph.D.; Hagai Glasner, M.Sc.
Date Published
January 2010
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In the first part of a comprehensive research project towards more efficient application of nano-technology to fingerprint visualization, we investigated the possibility of more selective binding of gold nano particles (NP) to fingerprint material.
Abstract
We synthesized derivatives of ninhydrin and 1,2-indanedione containing loosely bound thiol groups. In particular, thiohemiketals (THK) of ninhydrin and thioketals of 1,2-indanedione were prepared and tested as potential fingerprint reagents. By reacting ninhydrin with various thiols, we were able to produce a series of novel THK, bearing the SR group always at C2. Ninhydrin THK reacted with amino acids to produce the expected Rubemann's purple, and they also developed latent fingermarks on paper in a similar manner to ninhydrin. Ketals and thioketals derived from 1,2-indanedione reacted neither with amino acids nor with latent fingermarks. In the second part of the research, the thiols which are formed on the ridges as byproducts of the reaction with amino acids will be tested for their potential as stabilizers for gold NP that will become covalently bound to the fingerprint ridges. 13 figures, 1 table, and 23 references (Published abstract)