The amide derivative of a bis-phenylethynyl compound meta linked to 2,6-pyridine (BPEAP) poses inherent equilibrium between its neutral and zwitterionic forms in the excited state. BPEAP has been found to bind to the surface of anionic micelles instead of penetrating inside. This phenomenon has been exploited to attempt controlling the process of equilibrium using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) at its pre-micellar and near-micellar aggregation concentrations. The anionic surfactant has been found to alter the equilibrium between the said forms of BPEAP depending on its concentration in solution. The process has been further verified by using sodium decyl sulfate (SDeS), which has smaller hydrophobic chain length than SDS as also varies in the critical micellar concentration (CMC) and aggregation number. The binding constant of the probe to the surfactant aggregates varies depending on the extent of surface available to the fluorophore for attachment. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.