1,2-Indanedione (IND) Reagent for Detection of Latent Fingermarks: A Review

1,2-Indanedione (IND) is a chemical method for the detection of latent fingermarks on dry, porous surfaces such as paper, cardboard etc. It is an amino acid sensitive fluorescent reagent for developing latent fingermarks. The method is based on interaction of IND with amino acid fraction of latent fingermarks. The method develops clear, stable, pink (also known as Joullie pink) colored fingerprints which are fluorescent in nature. It is an efficient and non-destructive procedure for developing latent fingermarks on wide range of surfaces of forensic importance. Standardized testing of IND formulation is suggested to improve the eficiency of this reagent to develop latent fingermarks on wide range of surfaces of forensic importance.