Radiochemiluminescence of carboxyquinolines

Carboxyquinolines, specifically 2-carboxyquinoline (quinaldic acid), 4-carb oxy-2-hydroxyquinoline (kynurenic acid), 2-carboxy-4-hydroxyquinoline, 4,4' -dicarboxy-2,2'-biquinoline and 2,2'-biquinoline-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid dip otassium salt in dialkylated amides are radiolyzed to novel 1,4-dihydroquin olines which emit light on addition of bases in the presence of oxygen givi ng rise to quinolinones. The overall quantum yields (radiolysis and chemilu minescence) are as high as 2.4 x 10(-5) einstein mol(-1). The radiolysis an d chemiluminescence mechanisms are discussed. The radiochemiluminescence re actions constitute prospective radiation dosemeters and can be used for ana lytical applications. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.