Two derivatives of fluorescein, termed “xanthamides,” were prepared from fluorescein, an inexpensive dye. Relative to fluorescein, which contains a 6-phenolic OH and a 2'-carboxyl, the first derivative (5) contains a carboxymethyl ether at the 6-position and a secondary amide of dimethylamine at the 2'-position. The second derivative (8) contains a corresponding 6-methyl ether and a secondary amide of isonipecotic acid at the 2'- ...