The UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectra, solubility, and application as emitters in single-layer EL devices of novel perylene-3,4:9,10-tetracarboxidiimide-centred dendrimers (G n -Perys) were examined. G n -Perys showed absorption maxima (λ max ) at 459, 491, and 529nm in chloroform. The emission maxima (λ em ) were observed at 537, 576, and 621nm. The fluorescence intensities of G 1 -, G 2 -, and G 3 -Perys were ca. one-twentieth compared with that of G 0 -Pery. However, the concentration-quenching of G n -Perys (n=1, 2, 3) was improved. The solubility of G n -Perys increased at higher generation. The electroluminescence (EL) maxima of G n -Perys in single-layer EL devices containing PVK and PBD as host materials were observed at around 430 and 600nm, there being white emission. No remarkable difference in the EL characteristics was observed among G n -Perys.