Luminol Lux

Luminol (C₈H₇N₃O₂) is a chemiluminescent compound used in forensic science to detect trace amounts of blood.

It reacts with an oxidizing agent, typically hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), in the presence of a catalyst like the iron in hemoglobin, producing a blue glow.

The chemical reaction oxidizes luminol, forming an excited-state molecule, 3-aminophthalate, which emits light as it returns to its ground state.

This reaction is highly sensitive, capable of detecting blood at extremely low concentrations, but it is not entirely specific and can react with other substances, such as bleach or rust, leading to false positives.

This makes luminol a valuable but carefully applied tool in forensic investigations.