Toward the most versatile fluorophore: Direct functionalization of BODIPY dyes via regioselective C–H bond activation

Fluorescent dyes are heavily sought for their potentials applications in bioimaging, sensing, theranostic,and optoelectronic materials. Among them, BODIPY dyes are privileged fluorophores that are now widely used in highly diverse research fields. The increasing success of BODIPY dyes is closely associated with their excellent and tunable photophysical properties due to their rich functionalization chemistry.Recently, growing research efforts have been devoted to the direct functionalization of the BODIPY core,because it allows the facile installation of desired functional groups in a single atom economical step. The challenges of this direct C–H derivation come from the difficulties in finding suitable functionalization agents and proper control of the regioselectivity of the functionalization. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of BODIPY dyes and a summarization of the different synthetic methodologies reported for direct C–H functionalization of the BODIPY framework.     

Highly water-soluble neutral BODIPY dyes with controllable fluorescence quantum yields

A series of novel highly water-soluble neutral BODIPY dyes have been obtained by functionalization of BODIPY dyes with branched oligo(ethylene glycol)methyl ether groups at positions 8, 2 and 6 or 4 and 4'. Use of an ortho-substituent group of branched oligo(ethylene glycol)methyl ether on the meso-phenyl ring of BODIPY dyes and replacement of the fluorine atoms of BODIPY dyes at positions 4 and 4' with methyloxy or ethynyl subunits significantly enhance fluorescence quantum yields of BODIPY dyes.     

Sterically Allowed H-type Supramolecular Polymerizations

The functionalization of π-conjugated scaffolds with sterically demanding substituents is a widely used tactic to suppress cofacial (H-type) stacking interactions, which may even inhibit self-assembly. Contrary to expectations, we demonstrate herein that increasing steric effects can result in an enhanced thermodynamic stability of H-type supramolecular polymers. In our approach, we have investigated two boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes with bulky phenyl ( 2 ) and mesityl ( 3 ) meso-substituents and compared their self-assembly in nonpolar media with that of a parent meso-methyl BODIPY 1 lacking bulky groups. While the enhanced steric demand induces pathway complexity, the superior thermodynamic stability of the H-type pathways can be rationalized in terms of additional enthalpic gain arising from intermolecular C−H⋅⋅⋅F−B interactions of the orthogonally arranged aromatic substituents, which overrule their inherent steric demand. Our findings underline the importance of balancing competing non-covalent interactions in self-assembly.     

Accurate theoretical prediction of optical properties of BODIPY dyes

Boron-dipyrromethene dyes (BODIPY) are of great interest nowadays mostly due to their valuable optical properties. Nevertheless, no systematic research of the optical property dependence on the structure of dyes has been performed yet. In this work, analysis of the available quantum-chemical methods for BODIPY optical property calculations has been carried out. The accuracy of eight DFT functionals has been studied. The solvation effects upon excitation have been considered within two schemes. The methods that predict the absorption and emission spectra of BODIPY derivatives with high accuracy have been proposed. Using the suggested methods, the influence of nature of substituents and their position in the BODIPY core on the optical spectra of the dyes has been studied. A complex pattern of red- and blue-shifts in optical spectra in dependence of nature and position of substituents has been revealed. The results of this work provide the way for efficient design of BODIPY derivatives with desired optical properties.     

The Structure‐property Relationships of D‐π‐A BODIPY Dyes for Dye‐sensitized Solar Cells

BODIPY dyes have attracted considerable attention as potential photosensitizers in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) owing to their excellent optical properties and facile structural modification. This account focuses on recent advances in the molecular design of D‐π‐A BODIPY dyes for applications in DSSCs. Special attention has been paid to the structure‐property relationships of D‐π‐A BODIPY dyes for DSSCs. The developmental process in the modified position at the BODIPY core with a donor/acceptor is described. The devices based on 2,6‐modified BODIPY dyes exhibit better photovoltaic performance over other modified BODIPY dyes. Meanwhile, the research reveals the correlation of molecular structures (various donor chromophores, extended units, molecular frameworks, and long alkyl groups) with their photophysical and electrochemical properties and relates it to their performance in DSSCs. The structure‐property relationships give valuable information and guidelines for designing new D‐π‐A BODIPY dyes for DSSCs.

     

Radical CH Alkylation of BODIPY Dyes Using Potassium Trifluoroborates or Boronic Acids

A one‐step synthetic procedure for the radical C?H alkylation of BODIPY dyes has been developed. This new reaction generates alkyl radicals through the oxidation of boronic acids or potassium trifluoroborates and allows the synthesis of mono‐, di‐, tri‐, and tetraalkylated fluorophores in a good to excellent yield for a broad range of organoboron compounds. Using this protocol, multiple bulky alkyl groups can be introduced onto the BODIPY core thus creating solid‐state emissive BODIPY dyes.     

BODIPY Dyes Bearing Multibranched Fluorinated Chains: Synthesis,Structural, and Spectroscopic Studies

A small series of boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes, characterized by the presence of multibranched fluorinated residues, were designed and synthesized. The dyes differ in both the position (para-perfluoroalkoxy-substituted phenyl ring or boron functionalization) and number of magnetically equivalent fluorine atoms (27 or 54 fluorine atoms per molecule). Photophysical and crystallographic characterization of the synthesized BODIPYs was carried out to evaluate the effect of the presence of highly fluorinated moieties on the optical and morphological properties of such compounds.     

Synthesis and Properties of Symmetrical Aryl Linked BODIPY Dyads

Three novel symmetrical 4.4＇-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-sindacene（BODIPY） derivatives were synthesized via a general and efficient protocol. These BODIPY dyads bear a diverse aryl linker bridge in the middle and two BODIPY units at the termini. The photophysical properties of these dyads were investigated by ultravioletvisible（UV-Vis） absorption and emission spectroscopy. And their electrochemical properties were studied by cyclic voltammetry. The absorption of these dyads showed slightly blue shift and the intramolecular charge transfer（ICT） state under,vent ultrafast direct surface crossing to the ground state with high degree of rotational freedom. The results will be useful for the further functionalization of these novel symmetrical BODIPY derivatives.     

Two π-Electrons Make the Difference: From BODIPY to BODIIM Switchable Fluorescent Dyes

(aza-)BODIPY dyes (boron dipyrromethene dyes) are well-established fluorophores due to their large quantum yields, stability, and diversity, which led to promising applications including imaging techniques, sensors, organic (opto)electronic materials, or biomedical applications. Although the control of the optical properties in (aza-)BODIPY dyes by peripheral functional groups is well studied, we herein present a novel approach to modify the 12 π-electron core of the dipyrromethene scaffold. The replacement of two carbon atoms in the β-position of a BODIPY dye by two nitrogen atoms afforded a 14 π-electron system, which was termed BODIIM (boron diimidazolylmethene) in systematic analogy to the BODIPY dyes. Remarkably, the BODIIM dye was obtained with a BH₂-rigidifying entity, which is currently elusive and highly sought after for the BODIPY dye class. DFT-Calculations confirm the [12+2] π-electron relationship between BODIPY and BODIIM and reveal a strong shape correlation between LUMO in the BODIPY and the HOMO of the BODIIM. The modification of the π-system leads to a dramatic shift of the optical properties, of which the fluorescent emission is most noteworthy and occurs at much larger Stokes shift, that is, ≈500 cm⁻¹ in BODIPY versus >4170 cm⁻¹ in BODIIM system in all solvents investigated. Nucleophilic reactivity was found at the meso-carbon atom in the formation of stable borane adducts with a significant shift of the fluorescent emission, and this behavior contrasts the reactivity of conventional BODIPY systems. In addition, the reverse decomplexation of the borane adducts was demonstrated in reactions with a representative N-heterocyclic carbene to retain the strongly fluorescent BODIIM compound, which suggests applications as fully reversible fluorescent switch.     

Straightforward Synthetic Protocol for the Introduction of Stabilized C Nucleophiles in the BODIPY Core for Advanced Sensing and Photonic Applications

A straightforward synthetic protocol to directly incorporate stabilized 1,3‐dicarbonyl C nucleophiles to the meso position of BODIPY (4,4‐difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene) is reported. Soft nucleophiles generated by deprotonation of 1,3‐dicarbonyl derivatives smoothly displace the 8‐methylthio group from 8‐(methylthio)BODIPY analogues in the presence of Cu^I thiophenecarboxylate in stoichiometric amounts at room temperature. Seven highly fluorescent new derivatives are prepared with varying yields (20–92 %) in short reaction times (5–30 min). The excellent photophysical properties of the new dyes allow focusing on applications never analyzed before for BODIPYs substituted with stabilized C nucleophiles such as pH sensors and lasers in liquid and solid state, highlighting the relevance of the synthetic protocol described in the present work. The attainment of these dyes, with strong UV absorption and highly efficient and stable laser emission in the green spectral region, concerns to one of the greatest challenges in the ongoing development of advanced photonic materials with relevant applications. In fact, organic dyes with emission in the green are the only ones that allow, by frequency‐doubling processes, the generation of tunable ultraviolet (250‐350 nm) radiation, with ultra‐short pulses.     

DNA Photocleavage by a Cationic BODIPY Dye through Both Singlet Oxygen and Hydroxyl Radical: New Insight into the Photodynamic Mechanism of BODIPYs

Two new NIR‐absorbing BODIPY dyes, each bearing two pyridinium groups, are synthesized and their DNA‐binding affinities and DNA photocleavage abilities examined in depth. While one BODIPY dye photocleaves DNA mainly through singlet oxygen, the other photocleaves DNA through both singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a hydroxyl radical being involved in the photodynamic behavior of BODIPY‐type dyes. EPR experiments confirm the ability of these and several related BODIPYs to generate superoxide anion radical and hydroxyl radical. This finding may shed light on the mechanism of BODIPY‐based photodynamic therapy (PDT) and open a new avenue for development of more efficient BODIPY‐type PDT agents.     

BODIPY类近红外荧光染料的研究进展

近红外BODIPY分子是一类新兴的荧光染料, 因其具有优异的光物理和光化学性能而得到广泛的研究, 已成为一个新兴的研究热点。本文综述了近年来BODIPY类近红外荧光分子的设计、合成及应用的最新研究进展, 并展望了其未来的发展方向和应用前景。     

BODIPY类近红外荧光染料的研究进展

近红外BODIPY分子是一类新兴的荧光染料,因其具有优异的光物理和光化学性能而得到广泛的研究,已成为一个新兴的研究热点。本文综述了近年来BODIPY类近红外荧光分子的设计、合成及应用的最新研究进展,并展望了其未来的发展方向和应用前景。     

Thiol-reactive dyes for fluorescence labeling of proteomic samples

Covalent derivatization of proteins with fluorescent dyes prior to separation is increasingly used in proteomic research. This paper examines the properties of several commercially available iodoacetamide and maleimide dyes and discusses the conditions and caveats for their use in labeling of proteomic samples. The iodoacetamide dyes BODIPY TMR cadaverine IA and BODIPY Fl C(1)-IA were highly specific for cysteine residues and showed little or no nonspecific labeling even at very high dye:thiol ratios. These dyes also showed minimal effects on pI's of standard proteins. Some iodoacetamide dyes, (5-TMRIA and eosin-5-iodoacetamide) and some maleimide dyes (ThioGlo I and Rhodamine Red C(2) maleimide) exhibited nonspecific labeling at high dye:thiol ratios. Labeling by both iodoacetamide and maleimide dyes was inhibited by tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP); interactions between TCEP and dye were also observed. Thiourea, an important component of sample solubilization cocktails, inhibited labeling of proteins with iodoacetamide dyes but not with maleimide dyes. Maleimide dyes may serve as an alternative for labeling proteins where it is essential to have thiourea in the solubilization buffer. Covalent derivatization by BODIPY TMR cadaverine IA, BODIPY Fl C(1)-IA or Rhodamine Red C(2) maleimide was also demonstrated to be compatible with in-gel digestion and peptide mass fingerprinting by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry and allowed successful protein identification.     

Exploring BODIPY Derivatives as Singlet Oxygen Photosensitizers for PDT

This minireview is devoted to honoring the memory of Dr. Thomas Dougherty, a pioneer of modern photodynamic therapy (PDT). It compiles the most important inputs made by our research group since 2012 in the development of new photosensitizers based on BODIPY chromophore which, thanks to the rich BODIPY chemistry, allows a finely tuned design of the photophysical properties of this family of dyes to serve as efficient photosensitizers for the generation of singlet oxygen. These two factors, photophysical tuning and workable chemistry, have turned BODIPY chromophore as one of the most promising dyes for the development of improved photosensitizers for PDT. In this line, this minireview is mainly related to the establishment of chemical methods and structural designs for enabling efficient singlet oxygen generation in BODIPYs. The approaches include the incorporation of heavy atoms, such as halogens (iodine or bromine) in different number and positions on the BODIPY scaffold, and also transition metal atoms, by their complexation with Ir(III) center, for instance. On the other hand, low-toxicity approaches, without involving heavy metals, have been developed by preparing several orthogonal BODIPY dimers with different substitution patterns. The advantages and drawbacks of all these diverse molecular designs based on BODIPY structural framework are described.     

Synthesis and Evaluation of [18F]‐Ammonium BODIPY Dyes as Potential Positron Emission Tomography Agents for Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

Recently, we demonstrated the potential of a [¹⁸F]‐trimethylammonium BODIPY dye for cardiac imaging. This is the first example of the use of the [¹⁸F]‐ammonium BODIPY dye for positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). In this report, we extend our study to other ammonium BODIPY dyes with different nitrogen substituents. These novel ammonium BODIPY dyes were successfully prepared and radiolabeled by the SnCl₄‐assisted ¹⁸F–¹⁹F isotopic exchange method. The microPET results and the biodistribution data reveal that nitrogen substituent changes have a significant effect on the in vivo and pharmacological properties of the tracers. Of the novel [¹⁸F]‐ammonium BODIPY dyes prepared in this work, the [¹⁸F]‐dimethylethylammonium BODIPY is superior in terms of myocardium uptake and PET imaging contrast. These results support our hypothesis that the ammonium BODIPY dyes have a great potential for use as PET/optical dual‐modality MPI probes.     

Near-infrared BODIPY dyes modulated with spirofluorene moieties

New structurally constrained BODIPY dyes having electron-donating substituents were synthesized. As the key compounds for the construction of the BODIPY dyes, 1′H-spiro-[fluorene-9,4′-indeno[1,2-b]pyrrole] (sp-FIP) derivatives with electron-donating groups, such as OMe and NMe₂ at its 6′-position, were prepared using palladium-catalyzed intramolecular direct C-H arylation of a pyrrole moiety. The resulting BODIPY dyes showed bathochromic shift in absorption and fluorescence spectra in comparison to the unsubstituted analogs. Furthermore, pH-dependent reversible spectrum changes of the BODIPY dye were observed with the addition of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and subsequent addition of i-Pr₂NEt.     

Blue‐to‐Orange Color‐Tunable Laser Emission from Tailored Boron‐Dipyrromethene Dyes

A series of meso‐substituted boron‐bipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes are synthesized and their laser and photophysical properties systematically studied. Laser emission covering a wide visible spectral region (from blue to orange) is obtained by just changing the electron donor character of the heteroatom at position 8. The additional presence of methyl groups at positions 3 and 5 results in dyes with a photostability similar to that of the unsubstituted dye but with much improved efficiency. Correlation of the lasing properties of the different dyes to their photophysical properties provides inklings to define synthetic strategies of new BODIPY dyes with enhanced efficiency and modulated wavelength emission over the visible spectral region.     

PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDATIONS — VI. THE NATURE OF THE DONOR SITE IN THE OXYGEN-HYDROCARBON CONTACT CHARGE-TRANSFER COMPLEX

Abstract— Two sets of experiments, designed to determine whether the C—C or C—H bonds of hydrocarbons act as the donor site in the contact charge-transfer complex between oxygen and hydrocarbons, were performed. It was found that the rates of oxygen uptake during the photooxidation increase with decreasing ' s character' of the C—H bond. Also, the rates of product accumulation during the induction period were shown to increase with basicity of the C—H bond, i.e., tertiary C—H > secondary C—H > primary C—H. The conclusion from these data is that the C—H bond is the donor site.     

Synthesis,optical, and electrochemical properties,and theoretical calculations of BODIPY containing triphenylamine

The boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) triads consisting of two triphenylamine units as electron donor (D) and BODIPY core as electron acceptor (A; B3 , and B4 ) have been synthesized using facile palladium cross‐coupling reactions to broaden the absorption of the BODIPY dyes. All dyes and intermediates were characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹¹B NMR, ¹³C NMR, and ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopies, UV–Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and time‐dependent density functional theory calculations. It was found that an increase in conjugation to the BODIPY core systematically extended the absorption and emission wavelength maxima. As a consequence, B4 containing the D–π–A–π–D structure, exhibited the longest absorption and emission maxima at 597 and 700 nm, respectively, with 1.8 eV in optical bandgap. The 96 nm red‐shifted absorption of B4 as compared to the unsubstituted BODIPY ( B1 ) indicated the effective electronic communication between triphenylamine and BODIPY. This suggested that the proper alignment of triphenylamine and BODIPY triad could lead to broader absorption and suitable low energy bandgap. Furthermore, the molecular modeling has been employed to analyze the electronic and optical properties of the dyes. We found that the optical, electrochemical, and theoretical bandgaps of all dyes were in good agreement.