What is the key purpose of using iodine in latent print analysis?

The key purpose of using iodine in latent print analysis is to reveal fingerprints. Iodine fuming is a technique used to visualize latent fingerprints on non-porous surfaces. When iodine gas comes into contact with the fatty acids and oils present in the ridges of the fingerprints, it reacts chemically, forming a colored compound that makes the fingerprints visible. This method is particularly effective on surfaces where other methods may not be suitable.

The process highlights the importance of iodine as a chemical developer because it provides a means to visualize the latent prints that are otherwise invisible. While it is true that iodine can have other secondary effects, such as momentarily changing the color of the print, its primary role in this context is the visualization of latent prints for further analysis and documentation.