Effect of ms-substitution on aggregation behavior and spectroscopic properties of BODIPY dyes in aqueous solution, Langmuir-Schaefer and poly(methyl methacrylate) thin films

It is well known that boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes have a remarkable combination of photophysical and photochemical properties, which are significant for practical use. Unfortunately, the application of BODIPYs in optical devices and biosensorics is severely limited due to the aggregation quenching effect (ACQ), the effects of the internal filter and/or the formation of excimers. One way to prevent fluorescence quenching is to synthesize new molecules BODIPY with a highly complicated structural organization or hybrid systems based on them. But in this paper, we demonstrate that the introduction of simple aliphatic or aryl substituents into the ms-position of the BODIPY molecule is an effective way to control the aggregation in various states: thin mono- and multilayer Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) films, polymer films and concentrated solutions, including aqueous ones. The results of experimental studies of the aggregation behavior of BODIPYs (BDP1-BDP3) are in good agreement with the theoretical calculations data of di- and tetramers, as well as multilayer packing. This allows to adjust the spectral properties of luminophores to the most possible types of their real applications in practical areas.

Automated summary

The paper demonstrates that introducing simple aliphatic or aryl substituents into the ms-position of BODIPY molecule is an effective way to control aggregation. Experimental studies are in good agreement with theoretical calculations, allowing for adjustment of spectral properties to suit various practical applications.