BODIPY derivatives: synthesis and evaluation of their optical properties

Three BODIPY derivatives functionalized at meso and 2 position were synthesized in 22-59% yield. The compounds were characterized by the usual spectroscopic techniques and a photophysical study was also undertaken. The BODIPY derivatives presented absorption bands in the 494-512 nm range and were also emissive with fluorescence bands in the 512-514 nm interval. A preliminary study on the sensing ability of BODIPY functionalized at position 2 with a benzimidazole was carried out in acetonitrile and acetonitrile/water (75:25) solutions in the presence of anions and cations with environmental, biomedical and analytical relevance. A highly selective response was obtained for Hg2+ and Fe3+ in acetonitrile/water solution.Thank are due to Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (Portugal) and FEDER-COMPETE for financial support through Centro de Química (UID/ QUI/0686/2016). The NMR spectrometer Bruker Avance III 400 is part of the National NMR Network and was purchased within the framework of the National Program for Scientific Re-equipment, contract REDE/1517/RMN/2005 with funds from POCI 2010 (FEDER) and FCT.