Evidence for the Formation of 1,2-Dioxetane as a High-Energy Intermediate and Possible Chemiexcitation Pathways in the Chemiluminescence of Lophine Peroxides

A kinetic study of the chemiluminescent (CL) reaction mechanism of lophine-derived hydroperoxides and silylperoxides induced by a base and fluoride, respectively, provided evidence for the formation of a 1,2-dioxetane as a high-energy intermediate (HEI) of this CL transformation. This was postulated using a linear Hammett relationship, consistent with the formation of negative charge on the transition state of HEI generation (rho > 1). The decomposition of this HEI leads to chemiexcitation with overall low singlet excited state formation quantum yield (Phi(s) from 1.1 to 14.5 x 10(-5) E mol(-1)); nonetheless, Phi(s) = 1.20 x 10(-3) E mol(-1) was observed with both peroxides substituted with bromine. The use of electron-donating sub-stituents increases chemiexcitation efficiency, while it also reduces the rate for both formation and decomposition of the HEI. Different possible pathways for HEI decomposition and chemiexcitation are discussed in light of literature data from the perspective of the substituent effect. This system could be explored in the future for analytical and labeling purposes or for biological oxidation through chemiexcitation.