Luminescence in the thermal decomposition of 3,3,4-trimethyl-1,2-dioxetane

Abstract

Luminescence is observed during the thermal decomposition of 3,3,4-trimethyl-1,2-dioxetane to acetone and acetaldehyde. The wavelength maximum of the luminescence is at 430–440 mμ when the decomposition is carried out at 60° in benzene solution. This shows that the decomposition of the dioxetane is a concerted electrocyclic reaction which forms a carbonyl compound in the excited singlet state, and confirms the suggestion that bioluminescence is due to the decomposition of 1,2-dioxetanes.