Synthetic Approaches To Non-Symmetric Bodipy Dyes: Working Toward Small Molecular Sensors For Detection Of Amyloids

Ruff, Charlie

Publication

Synthetic Approaches To Non-Symmetric Bodipy Dyes: Working Toward Small Molecular Sensors For Detection Of Amyloids

Ruff, Charlie

Date

2015

Additional date(s)

5/1/2015

Abstract

BODIPY dyes are versatile sensors because of their many desirable photophysical properties. These dyes have been shown to be viable probes for detecting amyloid -beta peptides, while showing significant advantages over currently utilized dye-binding assays. Most of the research and development of these dyes has been done on symmetric compounds, and current syntheses of non-symmetric dyes are neither facile nor efficient. Our research has examined ways to synthesize non-symmetric BODIPY dyes more efficiently using a solvent-free, one-pot synthetic approach. By grinding a pyrrole and a carbonyl-containing pyrrole in the presence of a base, followed by the addition of boron trifluoride, we have synthesized non-symmetric BODIPY dyes in a more expeditious manner. Our current synthetic methods appear to be applicable to a variety of structurally and functionally diverse BODIPY dyes, although the overall efficiency still needs improvements. Based on the initial success, it is anticipated that a facile, efficient and economical synthetic approach toward non-symmetric BODIPY dyes will be achieved in the near future.