Microwave-assisted reduction of F-BODIPYs and dipyrrins to generate dipyrromethanes

The reduction of BODIPYs and dipyrrins to dipyrromethanes, via a reaction involving ethylene glycol and sodium methoxide, is reported. When benzyl alcohol is used in place of ethylene glycol, the addition of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine to the reaction mixture after microwave irradiation results in the production of 1-benzylidene-2-(2,4-dinitrophenyl) hydrazone, indicating concomitant production of aldehyde alongside the dipyrromethane.