Abstract: The object of the invention consists of D-luciferin derivatives of General Formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 =OH, alkoxy, alkenyloxy, amino acid, NH.sub.2 or oligopeptide andR.sup.2 =H; H.sub.2 PO.sub.3 --; HSO.sub.3 --; alkyl or alkenyl, optionally substituted by phenyl; aryl; ##STR2## with R.sup.3 =alkyl or alkenyl, optionally substituted by phenyl; mono- or disaccharide or nucleotide.An object of the invention is further the use of said luciferin derivatives for the detection of ligands in the determination of biochemical substances, in particular in enzyme immuno assays, in blot processes and in nucleic acid hybridization. These ligands are attached to an enzyme (enzyme conjugate). In the process, for example an antigen, a hapten or an antibody is conjugated with an enzyme. The enzyme conjugate is capable of releasing luciferin from the luciferin derivative. The luciferin released is reacted with luciferase. The amount of light emitted in the process is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to D-aminoluciferin derivatives of the general formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a L-amino acid or peptide radical having up to 10 L-amino acid moieties said radical being bound via the (terminal) carboxyl group in the form of an amide and the free amino group thereof is optionally be protected by a common protecting group, or wherein R.sup.1 represents a monosaccharide or disaccharide radical.Said aminoluciferin derivatives can be cleaved by enzymes giving free aminoluciferin which can be determined luminometrically.The invention relates also to the use of said aminoluciferin derivatives for determining enzyme activities as well to a process for producing said aminoluciferin derivatives.