Chemiluminesent Redox Reaction

This reaction involves a water/acetonitrile solvent, tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) ions, ammonium persulfate, and magnesium metal. During the course of the electron transfers in this system, the excited ruthenium complex emits an orange glow near the magnesium metal, producing the appearance of hot coals in the bottom of the reaction vial.

See: White, H. S.; Bard, A. J. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1982, 104, 6891.

 

ABOVE: Pretty orange chemiluminescence.