4-(4-hydroxystyryl) pyridine-containing substrates for an analyte dependent enzyme activation system

This invention relates to 4-(4-hydroxystyryl) pyridine-containing compounds and the use of 4-(4-hydroxystyryl) pyridine-containing compounds as peroxidase enzyme substrates in a variety of applications such as catalyzed reporter deposition. 4-(4-hydroxystyryl) pyridine-containing compounds are disclosed as substrates for use in assays. Also, a method for detecting or quantitating an analyte is provided which includes reacting an enzyme with a 4-(4-hydroxystyryl) pyridine-containing compound to form a reactive intermediate wherein the reactive intermediate deposits covalently on a surface by binding to a receptor, wherein deposited reactive intermediates either directly or indirectly through a label generate a signal which can be detected or quantitated.