Chemiluminescent reactions of E-2-hydroxy-4′-substituted stilbenes with ozone

The reaction of seven E-2-hydroxy-4′-substituted stilbenes with ozone is chemiluminescent, the quantum yields depending on Hammett's σ constant for the 4′-substituent. The primary emitter is the salicylaldehyde anion in all cases. The apparent rate constants derived from chemiluminescence decay measurements are a linear function of Hammett's σ constants. Mechanistic implications are discussed for the ozonolysis reaction of these compounds.