Fluorescent molecular rotors with specific hydrophilic functions: Glucosamine and inositol derivatives

New fluorescent molecular rotors having hydrophilic functional groups (such as a sugar or an inositol group) were synthesized. The aim was to obtain i mpermeant and uncharged probes, with a defined orientation within a model m embrane: bilayer or in a cell membrane. Their fluorescence properties, whic h are dependent on solvent polarity and viscosity, were successfully applie d to characterize organized media: for example, the CMC of surfactants and the transition temperature of DPPC liposomes were evaluated.