For luminescence to occur in Luminol it is necessary to activate the

molecule, with an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide and

hydroxide that provides a basic medium.
The diagram shows the process that luminol follows to produce
luminescence. First, the base traps the hydrogens attached to the
nitrogen atoms. Then, the reaction of the resulting dianion with molecular
oxygen allows the exchange of the amides for the corresponding esters,
through a cyclical addition. This step is highly favored since molecular
nitrogen is formed, a very good leaving group due to its minimal
reactivity. In the next step, the very unstable peroxide formed breaks,
giving rise to the 3-aminophthalate anion. However, such a breakdown of
peroxide produces this molecule in the excited state. Finally, this causes
that, when the molecule reaches its basal state, it releases energy in the
form of light, with a blue coloration.