L-012 has been used as a probe in a bioluminescent assay for the determination of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the isolated mouse lungs.

L-012 is a luminol analog and a widely used reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS; ROS & RNS) chemiluminescence (CL) probe both in cultures and in animals in vivo. L-012 displays significantly higher CL yield and sensitivity than luminol, lucigenin and MCLA. Instead of reacting with superoxide anion (O₂⁻) directly, L-012 (LumH2) is converted via a one-electron oxidation (catalyzed by peroxidase in the presence of H₂O₂) to the LumH· radical form, which then reacts with oxygen (O₂) to yield O₂⁻ and L-012 quinone (q-Lum). The O₂⁻ in turn reacts with the LumH· radical, leading eventually to an endoperoxide that decomposes to emit luminescence. To a less extend, H₂O₂ can also react with q-Lum to yield luminescence. Although not specific to NADPH oxidase-derived RONS, L-012 is also commonly used for screening NADPH oxidase inhibitors.

Widely used reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS; ROS and RNS) chemiluminescence (CL) probe both in cultures and in animals in vivo.