Heck functionalization of an asymmetric aza-BODIPY core: synthesis of far-red infrared probes for bioimaging applications

As part of our ongoing work on the synthesis of a new class of plant hormones named Strigolactones (SLs) and their analogues, we became interested in tracing bioactive molecules with red emitting BODIPY fluorophores in order to unravel signaling and distribution of SLs in plants. In this paper we report on an unprecedented Heck functionalization of azadipyrromethenes (aza-DIPY) which allows for the introduction of suitable functional groups to convert aza-BODIPY in bioconjugate complexes useful for untangling biological processes.