A cyanine chromoionophore1 has been synthesised and its photophysical properties have been investigated. Complexation with alkali metal cations (Li+ and Na+) brings about a significant shift in the absorption and emission spectra to shorter wavelengths, which is accompanied by an enhancement in the fluorescence quantum yield. These effects can be attributed to the suppression of intramolecular charge transfer processes of the cyanine dye, brought about by complexation with the metal cations.
