Why Does Luminol Emit Different Colors in Chemiluminescence?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the chemiluminescent reaction involving luminol and hydrogen peroxide, commonly used in AP Chemistry labs. Participants noted that the reaction emits a sequence of colors: red, white, and blue, with the blue light being attributed to the luminol and hydrogen peroxide combination. The red light emission is less understood, prompting requests for clarification on its cause. The chemical equation proposed includes luminol, hydrogen peroxide, and a catalyst, likely formaldehyde, leading to water and oxygen as products.

PREREQUISITES
  • Chemiluminescence principles
  • Luminol chemical properties
  • Hydrogen peroxide reactivity
  • Catalysis in chemical reactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of chemiluminescence in detail
  • Study the role of catalysts in luminol reactions
  • Examine the chemical equation for luminol and hydrogen peroxide reactions
  • Explore the significance of light emission colors in chemical reactions
USEFUL FOR

Students in AP Chemistry, educators teaching chemical reactions, and anyone interested in the applications of chemiluminescence in scientific experiments.

sinclair18
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Hi! So I have a question. We're doing this lab in my ap chem class revolving around chemiluminescence. In the lab, we mix luminol with hydrogen peroxide and a few other chemicals. Aftwerwards, we turn off the lights and the reactions proceeds to emit a red glow which then turns white and finally blue before fading away. I understand that the combination of the luminol and hydrogen peroxide cause the blue light to be emitted but what I don't under stand is what caused the red light to be emitted and how. Can anyone please help?

Also if anyone knows the chemical equation involved in this reaction that would be very helpful (I pretty sure it should be luminol + hydrogen peroxide + catalyst (formalyhydride) --> H2O + O2 + but correct me if I'm wrong)

Thank you very much for your time.
 
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sinclair18 said:
Hi! So I have a question. We're doing this lab in my ap chem class revolving around chemiluminescence. In the lab, we mix luminol with hydrogen peroxide and a few other chemicals. Aftwerwards, we turn off the lights and the reactions proceeds to emit a red glow which then turns white and finally blue before fading away. I understand that the combination of the luminol and hydrogen peroxide cause the blue light to be emitted but what I don't under stand is what caused the red light to be emitted and how. Can anyone please help?

Also if anyone knows the chemical equation involved in this reaction that would be very helpful (I pretty sure it should be luminol + hydrogen peroxide + catalyst (formalyhydride) --> H2O + O2 + but correct me if I'm wrong)

Thank you very much for your time.

Tell us the exact procedure please.
 

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