BODIPY-bridged push-pull chromophores: optical and electrochemical properties

A series of BODIPY bridged push-pull chromophores were prepared by a sequence of reactions involving: i) cross-coupling reactions promoted by palladium complexes; ii) Knoevenagel condensation leading to dicyano derivatives; iii) [2+2] cycloaddition. The last reaction is regioselective, providing mono-derivatives with anisole substituents. With dimethylaminophenyl donor groups, double addition is feasible, providing highly colored dyes displaying remarkable electrochemical properties. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.