Ninhydrin is used for the detection of free amino groups in amino acids, peptides and proteins and in assay of peptides, amino acids, amino sugars and amines. It is commonly used for the development of fingermarks on porous surfaces and is often used in comparison with other latent fingerprint techniques. Studies have indicated that Ninhydrin may be useful for detecting ninhydrin-reactive nitrogens in soil for forensic applications. Other studies have indicated that the color developed after reaction of Ninhydrin and amino acids can vary depending on the composition and type of amino acids.
Molecular Weight: 178.143 g/mol
Working concentration: Typically used at a concentration of 0.2% in ethanol