Strategic Synthesis of Asymmetrically Substituted C4N4 Fluorophores

Abstract

C4N4 fluorophores comprise a recently disclosed new class of emissive organic molecules with modular synthetic capabilities. Herein we report a new synthetic protocol for asymmetrically diarylated C4N4 fluorescent materials. Direct monoarylation of 1-naphthol was exploited to suppress undesired diarylation and provide a free phenolic hydroxyl group for prospective linking to a molecule of interest. Installation of the second aromatic to acquire the fluorescent property was achieved by Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling.