A method of generating light through chemiluminescence involves providing a stable 1,2-dioxetane of the formula: ##STR00001## Wherein (a) R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each, individually, a chemical reactive site or when fused together form a chemical reactive site, and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each, individually, a chemical reactive site or when fused together form a chemical reactive or (b) R.sub.1 has at least two hetero atoms with chemical reactive site and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are inactive site and R.sub.2 is a chemical reactive site.