Chemiluminescence Resulting from Electrochemically Generated Species

Chemiluminescence is reported from chemical species produced during electrolysis of aromatic hydrocarbons in deoxygenated nonaqueous solvents. Emission occurs in the solution near the cathode, and the emitting species is the excited singlet state of the hydrocarbon. Oxygen exerts a severe quenching effect on the chemiluminescence. Possible mechanisms are discussed.