Charge transfer fluorescence of trans-stryrylpyridinium iodides

The photoprocesses of trans-1-methyl-4-[4-R-styryl]pyridinium iodide (R = H, P1) and derivatives with a cyano, a nitro and a methoxy group at the phenyl moiety, P2–P4, respectively, were studied in solution. In solvents of relatively low polarity, e.g. tetrahydrofuran, where contact ion pairs are present, the fluorescence spectrum of the styrylpyridinium is significantly red-shifted and the quantum yield is strongly enhanced. These findings are due to photoinduced electron transfer from I− to the excited singlet state of the cation. The features of complementary trans-styrylquinolinium iodides are in good accordance.