Soluble, chromophore-functionalized carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been synthesized via covalent approach with minimal alteration to the characteristic electronic states of MWCNTs. The key step includes incorporating a fluorenevinylene fluorescent moiety onto MWCNTs via the esterification of oxidized MWCNTs, where the solubility of the product is brought about by hexyl groups attached to the fluorene moiety. Electronic properties of the adduct were investigated by UV-Vis and luminescence spectroscopies, whereas its dispersability was monitored by SEM and TEM imaging. Fluorescence of the fluorenevinylene moiety is found to be quenched when bonded to the MWCNT sidewalls, indicating an electronic interaction in the excited state. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.