Functionalization of Boron Dipyrrin (BODIPY) Dyes through Iridium and Rhodium Catalysis: A Complementary Approach to α- and β-Substituted BODIPYs

Iridium-catalyzed direct borylation has been applied to meso-substituted dipyrromethane and boron dipyrrin (BODIPY) dyes. Borylation is highly regioselective and complementary: it occurs exclusively at the alpha position for meso-mesityldipyrromethane and at the beta positions for meso-mesityl BODIPY dye. This regioselective borylation enables a variety of alpha- and beta-substituted BODIPY dyes to be synthesized. Introduction of alpha,beta-enoate and alpha,beta,gamma,delta-dienoate functions into BODIPY dyes at the alpha or beta positions was achieved by rhodium-catalyzed Heck-type addition of the borylated compounds to acrylate and 2,4-pentadienoate esters. This functionalization has a significant effect on the electronic properties of BODIPY dyes, as seen in substantial redshift of the absorption and emission spectra. Comparative studies showed that the alpha- and beta-substituted series of BODIPY dyes show substantially different photophysical properties, and thus the importance of the position to be functionalized is highlighted.