Luminol (C8H7N3O2) also known as 5-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1, 4-phthalazinedione, o-Aminophthaloyl hydrazide, o-Aminophthalyl hydrazide, 3-Aminophthalhydrazide and 3-Aminophthalic hydrazide
Luminol is a chemical that exhibits chemiluminescence, with a blue glow, when mixed with an appropriate oxidising agent.
Luminol is a fine yellow crystalline solid that is soluble in most polar organic solvents, but insoluble in water.
Forensic investigators use luminol to detect trace amounts of blood at crime scenes, as it reacts with the iron in hemoglobin. Biologists use it in cellular assays to detect copper, iron, cyanides, as well as specific proteins via western blotting.
When Luminol is sprayed evenly across an area, trace amounts of an activating oxidant makes the Luminol emit a blue glow that can be seen in a darkened room. The glow only lasts about 30 seconds, but investigators can document the effect with a long-exposure photograph. Crime scene investigators must apply it evenly to avoid misleading results, as blood traces appear more concentrated in areas that receive more spray. The intensity of the glow does not indicate the amount of blood or other activator present, but only shows the distribution of trace amounts in the area.
Product Details:
Name: Luminol
Formula: C8H7N3O2
CAS Number: 521-31-3
IUPAC Name: 5-Amino-2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione
Other Names: 5-Amino-2,3-dihydro-1, 4-phthalazinedione, o-Aminophthaloyl hydrazide, o-Aminophthalyl hydrazide, 3-Aminophthalhydrazide, 3-Aminophthalic hydrazide