Acidic Condensation of BODIPYs with Aldehydes: A Quick and Versatile Route to Alkenyl-BODIPYs and C(sp(3) )-Connected DYEmers

Abstract

The condensation of aldehydes with BODIPY (boron dipyrrin) luminophores was investigated. Formaldehyde can be used to connect two BODIPYs at each of the three pyrrolic C positions (α-, β-, and β'-positions) in a quick and highly selective manner, yielding new DYEmers (di- and oligomeric BODIPY derivatives) with varied photophysical properties. Benzaldehydes form DYEmers only at the β- and the β'-positions. For aliphatic aldehydes the DYEmer formation competes with the elimination of water from a proposed alcohol intermediate, leading to the formation of α- and β-alkenyl-BODIPYs. 2-Phenylacetaldehyde and similar precursors exclusively yield elimination products. These acid-mediated transformations are valuable alternatives to the well-established, base-promoted Knoevenagel condensation protocol that is typically employed in the preparation of BODIPYs with near infrared (NIR)-shifted absorptions.

Keywords: BODIPY; DYEmers; condensation; dyes/pigments; synthetic methods.