In: Chemistry
Why is base (KOH) needed for the luminol to exhibit luminescence?
Luminol is the chemical substance that produces luminescence when it comes in contact with the blood. It is activated with an oxidant such as hydrogen peroxide and a base such as KOH, to exhibit its property.
Luminol reacts with the hydroxide ions from the KOH and forms a dianion . This dianion then reacts with the oxygen which is produced from the hydrogen peroxide . This produces an unstable organic peroxide , which is formed by the loss of a nitrogen molecule , the change of electron from the excited state to the ground state , and the emission of energy as photons that produces a blue glow.