The immobilization on a semiconductor surface of a bis(indolyl)maleimide functionalized with two carboxylic acid groups by alkylation of the indole nitrogen atoms is presented and its synthesis is described. The compound, 3,4-bis[1-(carboxymethyl)-3-indolyl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione is strongly colored and emissive and the imide part can coordinate an oxidizable substrate. Its absorption and emission spectra on TiO 2 are substantially changed as compared to the spectra obtained in neat acetonitrile, indicating surface bonding through the carboxy groups. The quenching of the fluorescence of the sensitizer by the TiO 2 surface is almost complete, reflecting the high degree of association between the TiO 2 and the dye, fast charge injection and good electronic coupling between the sensitizer and the semiconductor.