Abstract The subject compounds fluoresce in the visible and near-infrared regions of the spectrum when exposed to ultraviolet light. The particular color emitted (from blue to near-infrared) is dependent upon whether the hydrogen of the hydroxyl groups is present or has been replaced with various substituents, and upon the other hetero-atom in the benzazole ring. The compounds are photochemically and thermally stable and can be dissolved in organic solvents. They can be incorporated in various polymers to impart their fluorescent properties to the polymers which can be used to produce films, molded objects, or applied as coatings on the envelopes of ultraviolet lamps to produce various colored lights when energized.