Which solvent is considered to cause the least damage to inks when using ninhydrin solutions?

Freon 113 is recognized for its effectiveness in forensic applications, particularly for preserving the integrity of inks during the development of latent prints with ninhydrin solutions. This particular solvent has low reactivity with many types of inks, meaning it is less likely to alter or damage the chemical composition of the ink being analyzed. As a result, it allows for the visualization of latent prints without compromising the details of the ink patterns, which is crucial in forensic examinations.

In contrast, solvents like acetone, ethyl alcohol, and methyl alcohol can potentially react with or dissolve certain components of inks. These reactions may lead to changes in the appearance or structure of the ink, which can hinder the ability to obtain clear and accurate results in latent print analysis. Using Freon 113 allows the examiner to maintain the original characteristics of the printed material, thus providing more reliable results in forensic investigations.