What is Chemiluminescence?
[[File:Chemoluminescent reaction.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A chemoluminescent reaction in an [[Erlenmeyer flask]] produces a large amount of light]] '''Chemiluminescence''' (or '''Chemoluminescence''') is a kind of [[luminescence]]. It is a process of making [[light]] from a [[chemical reaction]]. Chemiluminescence in [[biological]] [[systems]] is called [[bioluminescence]]. The light made in chemiluminiscence is not directly related to [[heat]]. A simple two step example of a reaction of A, and B, that produces; C, D, and light. :['''A'''] + ['''B'''] → ['''C<sup>*</sup>'''] + [''D''] :['''C<sup>*</sup>'''] → ['''C'''] + '''Light''' '''C<sup>*</sup>''' is an [[excited state]] of '''C'''. This reaction is simpler than most chemiluminesence reactions. The excited state happens when [[electrons]] are pushed into a higher [[orbit]] by the energy of a chemical reaction. The excited state is less stable than the [[ground state]]. The [[electrons]] in the excited state fall to the [[ground state]] (lower energy), emitting light. The amount of measurable light made is called ''radiant intensity'': I<sub>CL</sub> ([[photons]] [[Emission|emitted]] per [[second]]). == Analytical applications== The device needed to measure the light made is simple. It needs something to hold the sample, and a [[Photomultiplier tubes|photomultiplier]] tube. There are three ways for this to be used in chemical measurements. #sometimes the product wanted makes light when it reacts with another [[Chemical compound|compound]], #in another type the amount of light made drops when the wanted product is added, #sometimes the wanted product when added to a chemiluminescence reaction makes more light(a [[Catalysis|catalytic]] reaction). === Analysis of gases === The method measures small amounts of [[Atmosphere|atmospheric]] [[pollutants]]. A common method measures the amount of [[nitrogen]] [[monoxide]] by reacting it with [[ozone]]. The light made has a [[wavelength]] range of 600 to 2800&nbsp;nm. === Analysis of liquids === [[Luminol