This protocol outlines a multi-step synthesis of luminol (5-amino-2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione) utilizing low-cost materials and minimal resources, making the process accessible for various educational and research settings. The synthesis begins with the dehydration of phthalic acid to produce phthalic anhydride, followed by a nitration step to introduce a nitro group. This is succeeded by a condensation reaction with hydrazine, leading to the formation of an intermediate compound. The final step involves the reduction of the nitro group to an amino group, yielding luminol.
Each step of the synthesis is accompanied by detailed procedures, scientific explanations, and observations, ensuring clarity and reproducibility. The synthesized luminol is assessed for its fluorescence, solubility, and characteristic chemiluminescence properties. Additionally, a field test is conducted on a preserved blood sample to demonstrate the practical applications of luminol in forensic science. This approach emphasizes the use of readily available starting materials and efficient methodologies, highlighting the feasibility of conducting this synthesis with limited resources while maintaining scientific rigor.