Chemiluminescence

Chemiluminescence of luminol. Two solutions are combined, the first solution contains luminol and sodium hydroxide. The second solution is 0.03% Hydrogen peroxide and potassium ferricyanide.

The luminol and the hydrogen peroxide react to cause the chemiluminescence. The iron in potassium ferricyanide is a catalyst for the reaction.

This is also used by crime scene investigators. A solution of hydrogen peroxide and luminol is placed into a spray bottle. When the solution comes into contact with blood, the iron present in hemoglobin will catalyze the reaction and it will begin to glow.