Preparation of fluorescent bisamides: A new class of fingermarks developers

Abstract Latent fingerprints are important trace evidences found at crime scenes that assist forensic experts in human identification. Given this, development of novel development agents are crucial in order to obtain satisfactory latent fingerprint enhancement. Among potential development powders are bisamides, which are chemically obtained by the condensation reaction of esters and amines resulting in fluorescent molecules. In this sense, the aims of this work were to synthesize and characterize bisamide analogues and to evaluate these materials as potential fingerprint developers applied to porous and non-porous surfaces. Results showed that bisamide analogues could be synthesized in adequate yields (67 – 89%) exhibiting fluorescent properties in distinct wavelength emissions (350 – 714 nm). Evaluation of fingerprint development showed that bisamide 3a had promising results regarding the development of latent fingerprints. Therefore, bisamide analogues were satisfactory synthesized while fingerprint development evaluations showed that these materials could be promising tools for the enhancement of latent fingerprints.