Fluorescent compounds are substances that can absorb light at one wavelength and then emit light at a longer wavelength. This process occurs when the compound's electrons become excited by the absorbed energy and then release that energy as light when they return to their original state. Common examples of fluorescent compounds include fluorescein and rhodamine. These compounds are widely used in various applications, such as in fluorescent lamps, biological imaging, and forensic analysis. Their ability to emit bright colors under ultraviolet light makes them valuable in scientific research and industrial processes, enhancing visibility and detection.