Some observations on the chemiluminescent reactions of tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(III) with certain Papaver somniferum alkaloids and their derivatives

A series of qualitative tests were performed to evaluate the chemiluminescent activity resulting from the reactions of tris(2,2′-bipyridyl)ruthenium(III) with certain Papaver somniferum alkaloids and their derivatives. The tests were conducted over the range pH 2 to 12 with both emission intensities and lifetimes being qualitatively monitored. The results of this preliminary investigation have revealed an emerging pattern, relating certain aspects of molecular structure (within a family of analogous compounds), to chemiluminescent activity. The presence of phenolic moieties, aromatic or quaternary nitrogens quenched the chemiluminescence. Of potential analytical utility was the facility to manipulate the kinetics of chemiluminescence generation with changes in molecular structure and variation of reaction pH.