Reagent Grade NINHYDRIN AR, Powder, Purity: 99%

Ninhydrin is the most widely used chemical reagent for the detection of latent fingermarks on porous surfaces such as paper and cardboard. The compound reacts with the amino acid (eccrine) component of the fingermark deposit to give a dark purple product known as Ruhemann's purple (Fig. 4)Ninhydrin is an organic compound with the formula C₆H₄(CO)₂C(OH)₂. It is used to detect ammonia and amines. Upon reaction with these amines, ninhydrin gets converted into deep blue or purple derivatives, which are called Ruhemann's purple.