The research compared these chemicals with ninhydrin and 1,8-diaza-9-fluorenone (DFO). Comparisons of fingerprints developed under various conditions determined the optimum development conditions for the new reagents. The indanediones tested had lower detection limits for glycine and that the carrier solvent used affected the quality of the prints developed. Findings confirmed that the indanediones may offer less expensive alternatives to DFO while still developing fingerprints of similar quality. Further research should focus on the conditions of use and position of these chemicals in the reagent sequence to achieve the best possible visualization. Further improvements could produce significant and consistent superior luminescence to DFO without metal salt treatment and hence could become the method of choice for the detection of latent fingerprints on porous surfaces. Figures, tables, and 16 references (Author abstract modified)