‘Excimer’ fluorescence I. Solution spectra of 1:2-benzanthracene derivatives

Abstract

Observations have been made of the concentration dependence of the fluorescence spectra of solutions of 1:2-benzanthracene and fifteen of its hydrocarbon derivatives. All of the compounds, except the 9,10-dim ethyl derivative, exhibit dim er emission at higher concentrations. The lower excited states, 1 L b and 1 L a , satisfy Förster’s conditions for fluorescent dim er formation. The factors determining the relative quantum yield of excimer fluorescence are discussed. The different types of crystal fluorescence spectra shown by the compounds are explained in terms of excimer formation in the crystal lattice.