Herein we report on the synthesis and characterisation of a water soluble deep blue naphthalene diimide, (ⁱPrNH)₂NDI–V. The synthesis is performed under mild conditions and careful consideration of the purification of the precuror materials leads to improved results in final yield and purity. The optoelectronic properties are explored through cyclic voltammetry and UV-vis absorption and emission spectroscopy in multiple solvents and the self-assembling properties as part of a multi-component hydrogel are investigated through rheology and small angle neutron scattering.