The effects of light on select organic compounds commonly found in latent fingerprints were examined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The goal was to determine if the rate of degradation for squalene, stearic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and nonanoic acid was impacted by varying amounts of exposure to light. Samples of each compound were continuously exposed to no light, ambient light, or ultraviolet (UV) light for up to 15 days. Samples were examined by a 60 mHz NMR after the allotted amount of time. The rate of degradation for all compounds was increased when exposed to UV light and decreased when exposed to no light. More stable compounds, like palmitic acid, showed the least amount of change even when exposed to UV light. Compounds that undergo photooxidation, like squalene, showed signs of degradation after 2 days when exposed to UV light. The knowledge of how light effects degradation of compounds in fingerprints could assist in the development of methods for age determination of fingerprints.

Effects of light on the structure of select organic compounds commonly found in latent fingerprints

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.