Inter- and intra-molecular donor–acceptor complexes formed between alkylphthalimides and aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract

Examination of the absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra of the imides (I) and (II) show that they form intramolecular charge-transfer complexes. In rigid matrices, fluorescence from the charge-transfer complexes and also phosphorescence from the naphthalene group is observed. Any rationalisation of energy transfer in these systems must take account of the part played by the excited complexes. Intermolecular charge transfer complex formation between N-n-butyl-3,4,5,6-tetrachlorophthalimide and anthracene, 9-methylanthracene, and 9,10-dimethylanthracene has been observed in rigid cyclohexane matrices.