A palate of fluorescent corannulene derivatives: synthesis, spectroscopic properties, and bio-imaging application

Reported here is a palate of fluorescent corannulene derivatives suitable for cellular imaging. They are derived from tagging corannulene with known fluorophores. The tagged corannulenes display strong fluorescence (phi(F) > 0.25 in MeOH), good photostability and long emission wavelength (500 nm to 600 nm). Cell staining experiments indicate that several of them have excellent cell membrane permeability and targeting ability. In addition, we have found an unexpected, highly efficient energy transfer from corannulene to the pendant fluorophore. This has implications for many areas of corannulene research.

Automated summary

This study presents a range of fluorescent corannulene derivatives suitable for cellular imaging, with strong fluorescence, good photostability, and long emission wavelength. Cell staining experiments indicate several of them have excellent cell membrane permeability and targeting ability, while unexpectedly high energy transfer from corannulene to the pendant fluorophore was also discovered.