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.
