Abstract. We report (3 two-step synthesis for N-aryl-and N-alkyl-substituted 4-piperidones, in which the N substituent can easily be varied. A number of intramolecular donor-acceptor systems was synthesized from these piperidones by conversion of the carbonyl functionality. The influence of the N-aryl donor on the electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra was investigated systematically. It was concluded that some systems can be used as efficient fluorescent probes with a high sensitivity for solvent polarity.