Fluorescent Metal-Ruhemann's Purple Coordination Compounds: Applications to Latent Fingerprint Detection

• NCJ Number: 126616
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1990) Pages: 25-34
• Author(s): E R Menzel; R A Bartsch; J L Hallman
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 10 pages
• Grant Number(s): 87-IJ-CX-0030
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: NIJ Reprint

Annotation

The formation of coordination compounds of Ruheman's purple (RP), the reaction product of ninhydrin with amino acids, with 21 metal salts was studied with particular focus on those with fluorescent properties.

Abstract

A model explaining the structural and photophysical features that cause fluorescence of the metal-RP compounds is presented together with an interpretation of available X-ray structural and spectral data for these complexes. The data is discussed in relation to the development of ninhydrin analogs with optimal chemical and spectroscopic properties and selection of metals that will form coordination compounds with desired spectroscopic features. Lastly, the application of such complexes to latent fingerprint detection is examined. 3 figures and 2 tables (Author abstract modified)