Chemiluminescence and fluorescence (intro)
Photochemistry · Chemistry
Molecule viewer
Interactive 3DBall-and-stick models with true bond angles — switch molecule to compare shapes.
Controls
Drag the sliders or type a value — the simulation updates live.
Study notes
Glow sticks glow without batteries. Explain the chemistry. Step 1: Bending cracks an inner vial, mixing H₂O₂ with a phenyl oxalate ester + dye. Step 2: Reaction makes high-energy intermediate (1,2-dioxetanedione). Step 3: It decomposes, transferring energy to the dye → excited dye. Step 4: Dye relaxes by fluorescence — coloured light with zero electricity. Chemiluminescence!