Amplified chemiluminescence signal for sensing fluoride ions

Bringing together the concepts of self-immolative linkers and chemiluminogen dioxetane modules, a chemiluminescence-based sensor for fluoride with signal amplification is presented. Signal amplification is obtained by triggering two chemiluminescence events for each reacting fluoride ion that in turn releases two fluoride ions for each ion. As expected, the chemiluminescence signal starts to rise following an induction period. In addition to the analytical potential, this chemical system is also of interest as a demonstration of positive feedback loop character.