The invention is directed to latent reactive and polymerizable derivatives of fluorescent stilbene-based compounds. The compounds can be used to provide articles with a fluorescence property, such as medical devices (e.g., catheters). The fluorescent compounds can be used in association with polymers, or can be incorporated into polymers, and the polymers used in a coating composition on the article surface. The compounds allow for visual or machine inspection of coating properties such as uniformity of coverage.