Synthesis of aza-BODIPY dyes bearing the naphthyl groups at 1,7-positions and application for singlet oxygen generation

Near-infrared absorbing aza-BODIPYs with the naphthyl groups at 1,7-positions were prepared for the first time. The singlet oxygen generation of aza-BODIPY with the naphthyl groups at 1,7-positions was more effective than that of the corresponding aza-BODIPY with the phenyl groups at 1,7-positions.     

Synthesis of thiophene-substituted aza-BODIPYs and their optical and electrochemical properties

A series of novel thiophene-substituted aza-BODIPY dyes were synthesized by means of a standard procedure and complemented by a Stille-coupling of a brominated species with 2-tributylstannylthiophene. The optical as well as the electrochemical properties of the compounds were investigated and compared to result of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The influence of the thiophene substituents is discussed in dependence of the position at the aza-BODIPY core regarding the HOMO and LUMO frontier orbitals. The different distributions of the HOMO and LUMO coefficients over the BODIPY core lead to a variable influence of the thiophene substituents on the HOMO and LUMO energies, being the origin of the tunable optical and electrochemical properties.     

Quantum Chemical Study Aimed at Modeling Efficient Aza-BODIPY NIR Dyes: Molecular and Electronic Structure,Absorption, and Emission Spectra

A comprehensive study of the molecular structure of aza-BODIPY and its derivatives, obtained by introduction of one or more substituents, was carried out. We considered the changes in the characteristics of the electronic and geometric structure of the unsubstituted aza-BODIPY introducing the following substituents into the dipyrrin core; phenyl, 2-thiophenyl, 2-furanyl, 3-pyridinyl, 4-pyridinyl, 2-pyridinyl, and ethyl groups. The ground-state geometries of the unsubstituted Aza-BODIPY and 27 derivatives were computed at the PBE/6-31G(d) and CAM-B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) levels of theory. The time-dependent density-functional theory (TDDFT) together with FC vibronic couplings was used to investigate their absorption and emission spectra.     

Synthesis,Photophysics and Redox Properties of Aza-BODIPY Dyes with Electron-Donating Groups

A series of novel aza-BODIPY dyes substituted with p-(dimethylamino)phenyl groups were synthesized and their spectral and electrochemical properties were compared. In particular, the impact of p-(Me₂N)Ph- groups on these characteristics was of consideration. For two aza-BODIPYs studied, a near-IR absorption band was observed at circa λ_abs=796 nm. Due to the pronounced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) exerted by the presence of strongly electron-donating p-(Me₂N)Ph- substituents, the compounds studied were weakly emissive with the singlet lifetimes (τ_S) in the picosecond range. Nanosecond laser photolysis experiments of the brominated aza-BODIPYs revealed T₁→T_n absorption spanning from ca. 350 nm to ca. 550 nm with the triplet lifetimes (τ_T) ranged between 6.0 μs and 8.5 μs. The optical properties of the aza-BODIPYs studied were pH-sensitive. Upon protonation of the dimethylamino groups with trifluoroacetic acid in toluene, a stepwise disappearance of the NIR absorption band at λ_abs=790 nm was observed with the concomitant appearance of a blue-shifted absorption band at λ_abs=652 nm, which was accompanied by a prominent emission band at λ_fl=680 nm. The transformation from a non-emissive to an emissive compound is associated with the inhibition of the ICT. As estimated by CV/DPV measurements, all aza-BODIPYs studied exhibited two irreversible oxidation and two quasi-reversible reduction processes. All compounds studied exhibit extremely high photostability and thermal stability.     

Synthesis of furan-substituted aza-BODIPYs having near-infrared emission

Development of near-infrared-emissive aza-boron dipyrromethene (aza-BODIPY) derivatives having furanyl groups is reported. From the optical measurements, it was clearly indicated that the emission bands were presented in the longer wavelength region than those of the conventional aza-BODIPYs. The emission bands with the peaks at 730 nm and 758 nm were observed from the bis- and tetra-substituted furanyl aza-BODIPYs with similar extents of emission efficiencies, respectively. According to the computer calculations, it was proposed that molecular planarity could be enhanced in the case of the furan groups. As a result, band-gap energy could be lowered comparing to those of the conventional benzene and thiophene-substituted aza-BODIPYs.     

A reported "new synthesis of lysergic acid" yields only the derailment product: methyl 5-methoxy-4,5-dihydroindolo[4,3-f,g]quinoline-9-carboxylate

The treatment of ethyl 6-formyl-5-(1H-indol-4-yl)pyridine-3-carboxylate (2) with NaOMe or NaOH in methanol solution at room temperature under the reported reaction conditions afforded solely product 4 in 80% yield, rather than anticipated product 3.     

Near-Infrared Photoactive Aza-BODIPY: Thermally Robust and Photostable Photosensitizer and Efficient Electron Donor

We report herein the synthesis of aza-BODIPY substituted with strongly electron-donating p-(diphenylamino)phenyl substituents (p-Ph₂N−) at 3,5-positions. The presence of p-Ph₂N− groups lowers the energy of the singlet excited state (E_s) to 1.48 eV and induces NIR absorption with λ_abs at 789 nm in THF. The compound studied is weakly emissive with the emission band (λ_f) at 837 nm and with the singlet lifetime (τ_S) equal to 100 ps. Nanosecond laser photolysis experiments of the aza-BODIPY in question revealed T₁→T_n absorption spanning from ca. 350–550 nm with the triplet lifetime (τ_T) equal to 21 μs. By introducing a heavy atom (Br) into the structure of the aza-BODIPY, we managed to turn it into a NIR operating photosensitizer. The photosensitized oxygenation of the model compound–diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF)-proceedes via Type I and/or Type III mechanism without formation of singlet oxygen (¹O₂). As estimated by CV/DPV measurements, the p-Ph₂N− substituted aza-BODIPYs studied exhibits oxidation processes at relatively low oxidation potentials (E_ox¹), pointing to the very good electron-donating properties of these molecules. Extremely high photostability and thermal robustness up to approximately 300 °C are observed for the p-Ph₂N− substituted aza-BODIPYs.     

Near-infrared absorbing (>700 nm) aza-BODIPYs by freezing the rotation of the aryl groups

The typical aza-BODIPYs in the dye family are known for bright fluorescence, excellent stability, and tunable absorption wavelengths. Hence, these dyes are attracting the increasing attention. Aza-BODIPYs having the maxima absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) region (650–900 nm) are very favorable for bioimaging in vivo due to the less photo-damage, deeper tissue penetration, and less interference from background auto-fluorescence by biomolecules in the living systems. Many strategies have been employed to modify the structures of the aza-BODIPY core to provide the NIR absorbing dyes. Among these, the most effective method is the fusion of the aromatic rings in aza-BODIPY system. This review allsidedly summarizes the recent development of ring-fused aza-BODIPY dyes (λ_abs > 700 nm) focusing on the design, synthesis, and potential applications in the NIR region since 2002.     

Facile Synthesis of 9-Acetyl/Formyl/Cyano-Substituted Pyrano[2,3-f]flavones and Chromones Using the Baylis–Hillman Reaction

Condensation of 8-formyl-7-hydroxyflavones (2a–f) and 8-formyl-7-hydroxy-2-(2′-furyl)-3-methylchromone (2g) with methyl vinyl ketone (3), acrolein (4), and acrylonitrile (5) in the presence of diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) under an N₂ atmosphere at room temperature using Baylis–Hillman reaction conditions afforded 9-acetyl/formyl/cyano-substituted pyrano2,3-f]flavones (6a–f, 7a–f, 8a–f) and chromones (6g, 7g, 8g).     

Substituted 3-and 5-formylpyridin-2-ones in the synthesis of 1-aryl-1, 6-naphthyridinone derivatives

New 1-aryl-6-[2-(dimethylamino)vinyl]4-oxo-1,4-dihydropyrimidine-5-carbonitriles and 4-arylamino-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitriles containing electron-withdrawing substituents in the benzene ring were synthesized from enamino amides and dimethylformamide dialkylacetals. The influence of various dimethylformamide acetals on the yield of 3-(4-chloro-anilino)-2-cyano-5-(dimethylamino)penta-2,4-dienoic acid N-(dimethylamino)methyl-ideneamide was investigated in the reaction of these acetals with 3-(4-chloroanilino)-2-cyanocrotonamide. New 4-arylamino-5-formyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitriles and 4-arylamino-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbaldehydes containing electron-withdrawing substituents in the benzene ring were synthesized. The latter compounds were converted into new substituted l,6-naphthyridinones by the action of various CH acids. A new approach to the synthesis of 4-(4-fluoroanilino)-5-formyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile using dimethylformamide diisopropylacetal under mild conditions was developed. The comparative reactivity of the formyl group in the reactions of 4-arylamino-5-formyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitriles and in 4-arylamino-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carb-aldehydes with malononitrile was determined using HPLC.     

Correlation of Hydrolysis and Desilylation of 2‐[(Trimethylsilyl)methyl]acrylate Derivatives in Aqueous Alkali Solutions

Hydrolysis and desilylation reaction of 2‐[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]acrylate (=2‐[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]prop‐2‐enoate) derivatives were studied to evaluate the effect of the presence/absence of a further conjugating substituent (Schemes 3 and 4 and Tables 1 and 2). The substrates having a nonconjugating substituent at the acrylate moiety were stable to dilute alkali conditions, and afforded simple hydrolysis products under concentrated alkali conditions. In contrast, both hydrolysis and desilylation occurred from the substrates bearing conjugated substituents at the acrylate skeleton. The difference in reactivity can be explained in terms of the stabilization of the intermediate anion.     

Benzothiadiazole-Substituted Aza-BODIPY Dyes: Two-Photon Absorption Enhancement for Improved Optical Limiting Performances in the Short-Wave IR Range

Aza-boron dipyrromethenes (aza-BODIPYs) presenting a benzothiadiazole substitution on upper positions are described. The strong electron-withdrawing effect of the benzothiadiazole moiety permits enhancement of the accepting strength and improves the delocalization of the aza-BODIPY core to attain a significant degree of electronic communication between the lower donating groups and the upper accepting groups. The nature of the intramolecular charge transfer is studied both experimentally and theoretically. Linear spectroscopy highlighted the strongly redshifted absorption and emission of the synthesized molecules with recorded fluorescence spectra over 1000 nm. Nonlinear optical properties were also investigated. Strong enhancement of the two-photon absorption of the substituted dyes compared with the unsubstituted one (up to 4520 GM at 1300 nm) results in an approximately 15–20 % improvement of the optical power limiting performances. These dyes are therefore a good starting point for further improvement of optical power limiting in the short-wave IR range.     

Synthesis and intramolecular pericyclization of 1-azulenyl thioketones

Several azulene-substituted thioketones, 1-thiobenzoylazulene (1a) and di(1-azulenyl) thioketone (2a) and their derivatives (1b and 2b-d) with alkyl substituents on each azulene ring, were prepared and their intramolecular pericyclization reaction was examined. The thioketones with a 3-alkyl substituent on each azulene ring exhibited the presumed pericyclization reaction under thermal and acid-catalyzed conditions, although the cases of the 1-azulenyl thioketones without the 3-alkyl substituents afforded a complex mixture under similar conditions. The intramolecular reaction following the intramolecular hydrogen transfer afforded the products 13b, 14b, and 14c. The products 13b and 14b were converted into the corresponding cations 18(+) and 19(+), which have structural similarity with that of the phenalenyl cation. These cations exhibited the expected two-step reduction waves upon CV, although the ESR analysis revealed that the neutral radical state did not have the presumed high stability.     

2-Azacycl[3.2.2] azine. Polyhalogenation and nucleophilic displacement reactions

1,4-Dibromo-2-azacycl[3.2.2] azine (2) when treated with methanolic sodium methoxide affords the I-methoxy-4-bromo derivative (3). Perchloro-2-azacycl[3.2.2]azine (7) was prepared and treated with methanolic sodium methoxide to yield the 5-methoxy (8) and 5,7-dimethoxy (9) derivatives as major products, depending upon reaction conditions. Catalytic removal of the chlorine substituents of compounds 8 and 9 afforded the 5-methoxy (10) and 5,7-dimethoxy (11) derivatives. Treatment of compound 2 with butyllithium affords the I-butyl derivative (5) of 2-azacycl[3.2.2]azine, while treatment with zinc in acetic acid yields 4-bromo-2-azacycl[3.2.2]azine (6). 4-Formyl-2-azacycl[3.2.2]azine (12) when treated with phosphorus pentachloride affords the 1,3-dichloro-4-formyl derivative 13. Possible rationals for the nucleophilic displacement are given.     

Convenient synthesis of nucleoside and isonucleoside analogues

[reaction: see text]. A very simple methodology to stereoselectively achieve tricyclic isonucleosides (nucleobase = thymine, uracil, and 5-fluoruracil) and 3'-C-branched nucleosides (nucleobase = theophylline) was performed by means of a DBU-mediated addition process using a readily available 2-bromo sugar. The mechanism for these transformations implies the loss of both substituents at C-2 and C-3 on the sugar moiety, and although it seems that DBU is probably involved, its involvement has not yet been ascertained. Cytosine did not react under these conditions.     

Synthesis and redox behavior of azulene-substituted benzene derivatives and (eta(5)-cyclopentadienyl)[tetra- and di(6-azulenyl)cyclobutadiene]cobalt complexes

1,2-Di(6-azulenyl)tetraphenylbenzenes and (6-azulenyl)pentaphenylbenzenes were synthesized by Diels-Alder reactions of di(6-azulenyl)acetylenes and 6-(phenylethynyl)azulenes with tetraphenylcyclopentadienone. Cobalt-mediated cyclooligomerization of mono- and di(6-azulenyl)acetylenes afforded 1,3,5- and 1,2,4-tri(6-azulenyl)benzene derivatives together with (eta(5)-cyclopentadienyl)[tetra- and di(6-azulenyl)cyclobutadiene]cobalt complexes. The redox behavior of these novel (6-azulenyl)benzene derivatives and [tetra- and di(6-azulenyl)cyclobutadiene]cobalt complexes was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Mono(6-azulenyl)benzenes exhibited a reduction wave upon CV. In contrast, 1,2-di(6-azulenyl)benzenes showed a two-step reduction wave at the similar potential region upon CV, which revealed the formation of a dianion stabilized by 6-azulenyl substituents under electrochemical reduction conditions. Three 6-azulenyl substituents on benzene in a 1,2,4 relationship also increased electron-accepting properties because of the formation of a closed-shell dianionic structure, whereas 1,3,5-tri(6-azulenyl)benzenes were reduced stepwise.     

Easy preparation,characterization and reactions of new 8-chloro-7-formyl-4-oxo-2-phenyl-4H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidine-3-carbonitrile

8-Chloro-7-formyl-4-oxo-2-phenyl-4H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidine-3-carbonitrile ( 3 ) is constructed using N-(5-cyano-6-oxo-4-phenyl-1,6-dihydropyrimidin-2-yl) acetamide ( 2 ) via Vilsmeier-Haack formylation reaction. Compound 3 reacted with 3-(triethoxysilyl)propan-1-amine under different conditions. Condensation of pyrimidopyrimidine 3 with thiosemicarbazone derivative gave Schiff base 8 , which upon treating with Vilsmeier-Haack reagent afforded pyrazole carbothioamide 9 . Cyclocondensation of compound 3 with some binucleophiles namely thiocarbohyrazide, hydrazine carbodithioic acid, benzyl hydrazinecarbodithioate and/or 2-thioxopyrimidinone was investigated. Structures of the new synthesized compounds were confirmed by their analytical and spectral data.     

Synthesis and two-electron redox behavior of diazuleno[2,1-a:1,2-c]naphthalenes

The Diels-Alder reaction of di-2-azulenylacetylene with tetraphenylcyclopentadienone afforded 7,8,9,10-tetraphenyldiazuleno[2,1-a:1,2-c]naphthalene in one pot via autoxidation of the presumed 1,2-di-2-azulenylbenzene derivative. In contrast, a similar reaction of bis(1-methoxycarbonyl-2-azulenyl)acetylene with tetraphenylcyclopentadienone gave the 1,2-di-2-azulenylbenzene derivative. The following cyclodehydrogenation reaction of the benzene derivative with iron(III) chloride afforded diazuleno[2,1-a:1,2-c]naphthalene 6,11-bismethoxycarbonyl derivative. The redox behavior of these novel diazuleno[2,1-a:1,2-c]naphthalenes was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV). These compounds exhibited two-step oxidation waves at +0.22 to +0.71 V upon CV, which revealed the formation of a radical cation and dication stabilized by the fused two azulene rings under the electrochemical oxidation conditions. Since the 1,2-di-2-azulenylbenzene derivative was oxidized at higher oxidation potentials (+0.83 and +1.86 V), the fusion of the two azulene rings to naphthalene increased electron-donating properties because of the formation of a closed-shell dicationic structure. Formation of the radical cation was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy under the electrochemical oxidation conditions, although no evidence was obtained for the presumed dication under the conditions of the UV-vis spectroscopy measurement.     

Cycloadditions of diazoesters to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes

The reaction of α,β-unsturated aldehydes with diazoesters primarily gives unstable 1,3-dipolar adducts (1-pyrazolines) which evolve according to their substitution pattern: whenever there is a proton geminal to the formyl group, conjugation with the latter is highly favoured, yielding 3-formyl-2-pyrazolines which subsequently polymerize. On the other hand, if no proton is available for conjugation with the formyl group, two competitive reactions take place: tautomerisation into an ester conjugated pyrazoline and loss of nitrogen with formation of cyclopropanes, the latter reactionnal pathway being favoured with electronwithdrawing substituents.     

Furopyridines. IX. Syntheses and properties of 3-ethoxy derivatives of furo[2,3-b]-, furo[3,2-b]-, furo[2,3-c]- and furo[3,2-c]pyridine

Reaction of ethyl 3-ethoxycarbonylmethoxyfuropyridine-2-carboxylates 2a-2d with sodium ethoxide afforded 3-ethoxy derivatives 3a-3d which converted to 3-ethoxyfuropyridines 5a-5d by hydrolysis and decarboxylation of the ester group. Vilsmeier reaction of 5a and 5b gave 2-formyl-3-ethoxy derivatives 6a and 6b and 2-formyl-3-chloro derivatives 7a and 7b , while 5c and 5d did not give any formyl compound. Bromination of 3-ethoxyfuropyridines with 1 equivalent mole of bromine gave 2-bromo-3-ethoxyfuropyridines 9a-9d , whereas reaction with 3 equivalents of bromine yielded 2,2-dibromo-3,3-diethoxy-2,3-dihydrofuropyridines ( 10a and 10b ) and/or 2-bromo-3,3-diethoxy-2,3-dihydrofuropyridines 11b , 11c and 11d . Treatment of compounds 5a-5d with n-butyllithium in hexane-tetrahydrofuran at ?70° and subsequent addition of N,N-dimethylformamide yielded 2-formyl derivatives 6a-6d .