Which chemical is commonly used to reveal latent fingerprints on surfaces?

The correct answer is Cyanoacrylate, known as super glue, which is used in a process called cyanoacrylate fuming. This technique is particularly effective for developing latent fingerprints on non-porous surfaces. When the super glue is heated, the vapors adhere to the moisture in the fingerprint residue, creating a visible imprint. This method is widely utilized in forensic investigations due to its effectiveness and ability to produce clear, enduring prints that can be further analyzed.

While ninhydrin is a chemical used to develop fingerprints on porous surfaces, it works differently by reacting with amino acids present in sweat. Ninhydrin develops a purple-blue color when it reacts, but it does not work on non-porous surfaces like cyanoacrylate does.

Fuming powder typically refers to an application method, not a specific chemical for revealing latent fingerprints. Ethyl acetate is a solvent that does not serve the purpose of revealing fingerprints and is typically used in other contexts without providing a fingerprint development function.