Dimethylaminochalcones with silicon dioxide and zinc oxide as latent fingermark developer powder

The aim of this study was to obtain a novel composite of dymethylaminochalcone/silicon dioxide/zinc oxide for application in forensic science as a fingermark developer. Three ketone-based reagents were investigated for the synthesis of the dimethylaminobenzaldehyde-derived chalcones. Among the studied samples, the one composed of acetylthiophene chalcone/SiO2/ZnO exhibitted the most promising results for latent fingermark imaging with minimal background smearing, revealing all ridge details on different substrates. These composites represent an interesting alternative for such application being technological and reproducible. [Display omitted] •A composite of dimethylaminochalcones, silicon dioxide and zinc oxide were produced from dispersion milling.•Characteristic bands were observed using Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Fluorescence and UV Spectroscopy.•The prepared composite was applied by the powdering method and provided identifiable latent fingerprint images.•The composite demonstrates efficiency in development fingermarks on different surfaces.