Hypohalites and related oxidants as chemiluminescence reagents: a review

This review concerns the use of hypochlorite, hypobromite and related oxidants (such as N‐bromosuccinimide and 1,3‐dibromo‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin) as chemiluminescence reagents and includes references to 249 papers that were published prior to mid‐2003. Particular emphasis has been placed on proposed emitting species and the mechanisms of the light‐producing pathways. The analytical applications of this chemistry have been summarized in three tables: (1) quantification of hypohalites and related compounds (including halides, which are initially oxidized); (2) enhancement or inhibition of luminol chemiluminescence; and (3) direct chemiluminescence reactions with hypohalite reagents. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.