By using picosecond transient absorption and fluorescence spectral measurement techniques, we have investigated fluorescence state of 3-(9-anthryl)phenoxide and 3-(9-anthryl)-5-(2,2-dimethyl-l-oxopropyl)phenoxide anions in 1,4-dioxane and acetonitrile. The fluorescence spectra of these compounds are broad and structureless and show strong solvatochromic shift. Since the S-n <- S-1 absorption spectra of the anions are similar to the absorption band of the anthracene radical anion, the negative charge of the anions in the S-1 state is essentially localized in the anthracene moiety. On the contrary, in the T-1 state the anthracene moiety is neutral and the negative charge may be localized in the phenoxy moiety. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.