Luminol is synthesized in a two-step process, beginning with 3-nitrophthalic acid.  First, hydrazine (NH) is heated with the 3-nitrophthalic acid in a high-boiling solvent such as triethylene glycol and glycerol.  An acyl substitution condensation reaction occurs, with loss of water, forming 3-nitrophthalhydrazide.  Reduction of the nitro group to an amino group with sodium dithionite (NaSO), via a transient hydroxylamine intermediate, produces luminol.
The compound was first synthesized in Germany in 1902, but was not named "luminol" until 1934.