Advancements in the Design and Development of Organic Fluorophores for the Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Phenomenon

Abstract

Excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) is a process where photoexcited molecules dissipate energy by transferring protons and undergoing tautomerization. With a brief introduction of a new emerging sensing mechanism, viz., C.N isomerization, AIE, etc., this study explores the various aspects of ESIPT based on the current studies. Since Weller discovered ESIPT in salicylic acid and methyl salicylate, extensive research has developed on this topic, attributing to its wide applications. Here, it explores the structural and mechanical aspects of ESIPT and tautomerization. © 2025 The Chemical Society of Japan and Wiley-VCH GmbH.