Near-infrared absorbing (>700 nm) aza-BODIPYs by freezing the rotation of the aryl groups

The typical aza-BODIPYs in the dye family are known for bright fluorescence, excellent stability, and tunable absorption wavelengths. Hence, these dyes are attracting the increasing attention. Aza-BODIPYs having the maxima absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) region (650-900 nm) are very favorable for bioimaging in vivo due to the less photo-damage, deeper tissue penetration, and less interference from background auto-fluorescence by biomolecules in the living systems. Many strategies have been employed to modify the structures of the aza-BODIPY core to provide the NIR absorbing dyes. Among these, the most effective method is the fusion of the aromatic rings in aza-BODIPY system. This review allsidedly summarizes the recent development of ring-fused aza-BODIPY dyes (lambda(abs) > 700 nm) focusing on the design, synthesis, and potential applications in the NIR region since 2002. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

This review comprehensively summarizes the recent development of ring-fused aza-BODIPY dyes since 2002, with a focus on the design, synthesis, and potential applications in the near-infrared (NIR) region.