Flow-dependent fluorescence of CCVJ

BACKGROUND: The molecular rotor 9-(2-Carboxy-2-cyanovinyl)julolidine (CCVJ) is presumed to have a sensitivity towards velocity or shear which is supposed to result in a change in fluorescence quantum yield. Furthermore, a previously reported photoisomeric behavior may contribute to the measured fluorescence intensity changes. The goal of this research was to examine the hypothesized behavior theoretically and experimentally from the perspective of fluid dynamics. RESULTS: A correlation between stirring rate and intensity could not be established in the present experiments with a completely illuminated sample in contrast to previously reported experiments in spectrofluorometers. Experiments and theoretical models of a Poiseuille flow were in good agreement with the photoisomeric behavior but excluded the influence of shear. Further experiments in a flow chamber supported the photoisomery hypothesis as well. CONCLUSION: No experimental evidence for the influence of velocity on the fluorescence intensity of CCVJ was found. The hypothesis of shear sensitivity was excluded as well. The results are consistent with the photoisomeric behavior of CCVJ.