Chemicals for Forensic Science

Ninhydrin

$22.65 – $169.12

Shipping: 4-6 weeks

Application: Suitable for amino acid detection
Molecular Formula: C₉H₆O₄
Molecular Weight: 178.14
Synonyms: 1,2,3-Indantrione monohydrate, 2,2-Dihydroxy-1,3-indanedione, Trioxohydrindene monohydrate
Formulation: Powder

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WARNING: For research and forensic applications only.
         Not for human or veterinary diagnostic or
         therapeutic use.

Description
Additional information

CAS Number: 485-47-2
SMILES string: OC1(O)C(=O)c2ccccc2C1=O
InChI: 1S/C9H6O4/c10-7-5-3-1-2-4-6(5)8(11)9(7,12)13/h1-4,12-13H
InChI key: FEMOMIGRRWSMCU-UHFFFAOYSA-N

General description

Ninhydrin is an important building block in organic synthesis and has been employed to prepare a variety of chemicals for complexing and/or sensing metal ions. It is an amino acid-sensitive reagent used for the preparation of Ruhemann′s purple. Ninhydrin is used to detect ammonia, amines, and amino acids. It is also used to develop fingerprints on paper, where it reacts with the amines in proteins and peptides left behind in fingerprints.

Application

For the detection of free amino groups in amino acids, peptides, and proteins.
As a ligand for the Cu-catalyzed N-arylation of nitrogen-containing heterocycles with aryl and heteroaryl halides to synthesize N-arylheterocycles.
As a reactant to synthesize aldols by reacting with active methylene compounds.

Here are some tips for using Ninhydrin

Use a fume hood or filter mask when preparing and applying Ninhydrin.
Ninhydrin is not suitable for non-porous surfaces or items that have been water-soaked.
Ninhydrin can develop background stains on surfaces with high protein content, like leather or currency.
To improve weak prints, treat them with zinc chloride to make them fluorescent.