Chiral Salarg and its metal complex: Unique extrinsic fluorophores

► We present a fluorescence spectroscopic study of Salarg ligand and its metal complex Mn-Salarg. ► This study reveals that Salarg and Mn-Salarg have the properties of extrinsic fluorophore. ► A detailed comparison has been made with various other extrinsic and intrinsic fluorophores. ► Possible usage of Salarg and Mn-Salarg as extrinsic fluorophores is suggested.