Photophysical properties of 3-(9-anthrylmethyl) pentane-2,4-dione (AMPD) have been studied using techniques of steady state optical absorption, fluorescence, time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) and pulse radiolysis. Fluorescence spectrum of AMPD shows a structured emission in the region of 350-450 nm, typical of anthracene moiety. Singlet state energy of the AMPD molecule has been obtained as 306 kJ/mol. Addition of triethylamine (TEA) and diethylaniline (DEA) quenches the fluorescence of AMPD. Spectral features indicative of the ground state complex or exciplex formation were not observed for both the systems. Triplet-triplet absorption spectra were obtained using pulse radiolysis technique. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.