CHED 355 |
| Chemical reactions produce the light observed in the familiar glowsticks that are used in recreation and the military. In general, the first step of the chemiluminescent reaction in lightsticks involves the decomposition of an oxalate ester by hydrogen peroxide to form phenol molecules and a high energy CO2 dimer. As this dimer is cleaved into two molecules of CO2, it imparts energy to a fluorescent dye molecule. The electrons in the dye molecule are promoted to an excited state, and release energy by emitting visible light. This emitted light gives the lightstick its glow. Lightstick manufacturers use a variety of combinations of fluorescent dyes to achieve desired colors and intensities of light. Using a combination of separation techniques and absorption / emission spectroscopy, we have been able to identify several dyes present in a variety of brands and colors of commercial lightsticks. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Analytical Chemistry
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |