Photophysics of the acid and base forms of rhodamine B

Fluorescence lifetime measurements of rhodamine B in ethanol solution have confirmed the presence of two distinct species dependent on acidity. Rotational diffusion times of these species are identical and we propose that they are the acid and base forms of the dye. Species having identical spectra to these forms have also been obtained in concentration dependent studies and we believe that here, too, the equilibrium is acid—base rather than monomer—dimer as had been suggested.