Fluoride-induced chemiluminescent decomposition of 1,2-dioxetanes bearing a phenyl moiety substituted with a methyl having an electron-withdrawing group

A new type of dioxetane bearing a 3-(cyanomethyl)phenyl (1a), 3-(methoxycarbonylmethyl)phenyl (1b), 3-(benzoylmethyl)phenyl (1c), or 3cyano(methoxycarbonyl)methyl]phenyl group (1d) decomposed through an intermediary dioxetane bearing a benzylic carbanion to afford crimson to yellow light on treatment with TBAF in DMSO.