Synthesis, characterization, and binding interactions of rhodanine-3-acetic acid-based compound for latent fingerprint development.

Latent fingerprints constitute a cornerstone of forensic identification. However, their visualization is a technical challenge-highly dependent on the nature of the surface from where fingerprints are collected, environmental exposure, and the detection agent applied. Herein, we report the preparation of a new compound, [5-benzylidene-4-oxo-2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-3-yl] acetic acid (compound 3), by Knoevenagel condensation and characterization by ¹H NMR and FTIR. Its ability to develop latent fingerprints was systematically assessed on a wide variety of surfaces, including marble, plywood, glass, plastic sheet, silver foil, human skin, rubber gloves, and thermocol. Theoretical studies (density functional theory and molecular docking analyses) explored interactions with serine, highlighting the role of specific binding interactions in fingerprint development. This innovative approach, blending synthetic chemistry, spectroscopic techniques, and theoretical studies, paves the way for the development of new latent fingerprint agents in the future.