Hydroquinonequinone oxidation by molecular oxygen: a simple tool for signal amplification through auto-generation of hydrogen peroxideElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3ob40962g

Signal amplification methods are of obvious importance for various diagnostic assays. We have developed a new small-molecule-based probe that, upon activation with sub-stoichiometric amounts of hydrogen peroxide, produces an auto-inductive amplification reaction. The signal is produced through the oxidation reaction of hydroquinone to the corresponding quinone derivative by molecular oxygen. This oxidation is accompanied by the formation of hydrogen peroxide, which can enter the amplification sequence and initiate a new diagnostic cycle. The generated quinone is composed of a donoracceptor conjugated pair and fluoresces at a distinct wavelength, allowing the formation to be monitored by a convenient fluorescence assay. Fluorescent signal amplification through auto-generation of the analyte of interest.