Solvation dynamics study of 4-amino-N-methyl-phthalimide in n-alcohol solutions

We have studied the solvation dynamics of 4-amino-N-methyl-phthalimide (4-ANMP) in n-butanol and n-decanol solutions. Solvation time correlation functions were evaluated from wavelength-dependent fluorescence lifetime distributions at two temperatures for the two solvents. Solvation dynamics of 4-ANMP was strongly temperature dependent in n-butanol, which is a more polar and less viscous solvent than n-decanol. A smaller effect was observed in n-decanol solution. We also measured the rotational correlation times of 4-ANMP in the same solutions and resolved two components indicative of a nonspherical structure of the molecule. The solvation times with relation to the dielectric relaxation times tau(L) and tau(D) for linear alcohols are discussed. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.