Latent fingermark development using a novel phenanthro imidazole derivative

[Display omitted] •Novel Multichromophoric Hybrid Molecule with delayed fluorescence is employed.•Formulations generated to develop sebaceous and eccrine latent finger marks which were comparable.•Clear, High Contrast, Stable, Bluish-Green fluorescence finger marks visualized.•The finger print formulation developed is comparable to other available powders. In present study, 2-(5-(9, 9-diethyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl) thiophen-2-yl)-1-(4isopropylphenyl)-1H-phenanthro [9,10-d] imidazole(PTF) − a multichromophoric hybrid molecule − was synthesized and evaluated as an efficient fluorescent powder for the development of latent fingermarks on non-porous and semi porous surfaces. PTF formulation with silica was applied to the fresh and old fingermarks deposited on non-porous and semi porous surfaces such as, glass, ceramic, steel, polythene and glossy papers. The fingermarks when observed under UV light excitation at 366nm, developed clear, high contrast, stable, bluish green fluorescence, which can be visualized and photographed for comparison. Optimization studies were carried out on various porous, semi porous and non-porous surfaces with various diluent powders in different concentrations of PTF. The elapsed time and stability studies were also carried out. The fluorescence upon excitation at 366nm was found to be intense and of comparable quality. The method was validated with reference to fluorescent powder available in the market. To the best of our knowledge this is the first ever report of employing the concept of delayed fluorescence to improve the efficiency of a dye for forensic purposes. The proposed method was found to be simple, stable and sensitive which can be adopted for the routine fingermark practice.