Fluorescence resonance energy transfer from a bio-active imidazole derivative 2-(1-phenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)phenol to a bioactive indoloquinolizine system.

Novel donor imidazole derivative, 2-(1-phenyl-1H-imidazo [4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)-phenol (PIPP) was screened as highly sensitive chemisensor for transition metal ions and it can be used as a "multi-way" optically switchable material. Solvatochromic effects on the fluorescence behaviour of PIPP were studied in different solvents. The fluorescence of PIPP was highly sensitive to both the polarity as well as protic nature of the solvent. Fluorescence (Forster) resonance energy transfer (FRET) process from PIPP to a potent bioactive indoloquinolizine molecule was studied and it is argued that long-range dipole-dipole interaction is operating for the energy transfer mechanism. The energy transfer efficiency (E) and the distance between the acceptor and the donor (r(0)) have been determined.