The Chemistry Behind Glow Sticks

Did you know that glow sticks were originated when a scientist tried to replace the natural bioluminescent light that fireflies made?  This dates all the way back to around the 1960's when scientist Edwin Chandross, discovered through his experiments what chemical process was needed to occur in order for the glow stick to successfully illuminate.  A lot of people are very much aware of what glow sticks are, but no one really understands the chemistry behind what makes it glow.

Inside the glow stick are two different chemical solutions, one of them being diphenyl oxalate, with a certain dye depending on what color you want the glow stick to glow.  Then on the other side of the glow stick is the hydrogen peroxide.  When one snaps the glow stick in the middle, the diphenyl oxalate is oxidized by the hydrogen peroxide which then produces the unstable compound (1,2-dioxetanedione).  This is the reaction called chemiluminescence and when the reaction dies out, the glow stick will stop illuminating.

Quick Facts:

• To make your glow stick last longer, stick it in the fridge! Cooler temperatures means a slower reaction, hence a longer glow!
• Skin contact with these chemicals inside the glow stick can lead to irritation and dermatitis

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