The synthesis and fluorescence of novel N ‐substituted‐1,8‐naphthylimides

The synthesis and characterisation of a series of novel 4-acylamino and 4-alkylamino-N-1,8-naphthalimides is described. The UV-visible absorption and emission properties of the compounds are reported. Significant solvent effects are noted for 4-n-butyl-9-n-butyl-1,8-naphthylimide. The incorporation of acetyl and chloroacetyl groups into the 4-substituent markedly increases the fluorescence quantum yield compared with 4-alkylamino substituemnts.