Naphthotriazole derivatives: Synthesis and fluorescence properties

Eight fluorescent compounds containing a naphthotriazole moiety substituted at position 2 by a (vinylsulfonyl)aryl group or its precursors, containing either a hydroxyl or sulphonic acid groups or N-methylglycine, were prepared and characterized. The products were recovered in moderate yield after column chromatography or recrystallization and identified using 1H and 13C NMR; double resonance, heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation experiments were carried out for complete assignment of proton and carbon signals. Absorption and emission spectra were obtained, in acetonitrile and fluorescence quantum yield determined. All compounds offer promise as fluorescent probes owing to their high fluorescence quantum yield.