Synthesis and fluorescence of N-substituted-1,8-naphthalimides

A number of novel N-substituted-1,8-naphthalimides have been prepared and their fluorescence yields measured in water at pH 7.4. The type of substitutent and the substitution pattern on the naphthalimide nucleus produce markedly different fluorescence yields, (quantum efficiencies, ø varying from ø = 0-0037 for N-(3-N'-morpholino-1-propyl)-4-amino-3-methoxy-1,8-naphthalirnide (7) to ø = 0–77 for N-(3-bromopropyl)-4-acetamido-1,8-naphthalimide (31).