Highly effective and rapid emission of light from bicyclic dioxetanes bearing a 3-hydroxyphenyl substituted with a 4-p-oligophenylene moiety in an aqueous system: Two different ways for the enhancement of chemiluminescence efficiency

Base-induced decomposition (BID) of bicyclic dioxetanes bearing a 3-hydroxyphenyl substituted with 4-p-oligophenylene moiety proceeded rapidly to give bright light even in water as well as in acetonitrile or DMSO. Addition of β-MCD (methylated β-cyclodextrin) or TBHP (tributylhexadecylphosphonium bromide) to an aqueous system improved chemiluminescence efficiency of these dioxetanes. However, β-MCD effected without sacrificing rate of BID, while TBHP considerably decreased the rate. [Display omitted] •Dioxetanes bearing hydroxyoligophenyene decomposed to give bright light in water.•Addition of methylated β-cyclodextrin improved chemiluminescence efficiency.•Addition of a hexadecylphosphonium bromide enhanced chemiluminescence efficiency.•Methylated cyclodextrin encapsulates the oligophenylene to protect it from water.•The phosphonium salt brings dioxetanes in its hydrophobic sphere.