Synthesis and photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer of N-substituted 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives in homogeneous solvents and in presence of reduced glutathione

Ground and excited state properties of newly synthesized N-substituted naphthalimide derivatives (3a–c) have been investigated in protic and aprotic solvents of varying polarity. These studies focused identification of the π, π* and charge transfer to solvent (CTTS) transitions. Excited state properties have been rationalized in terms of photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer (PICT) process. Effect of protic solvent and aprotic solvent on the PICT process has also been determined. Excited state PICT process of the compounds has also been studied in aqueous solution of H-bonding agent reduced l-glutathione (GSH).