Benzene-fused BODIPYs: synthesis and the impact of fusion mode

BODIPY derivatives with one or two benzene units fused at different positions are prepared using novel synthetic methods. The resulting dye 1 shows deep red fluorescence with a large Stokes shift. Dyes 2 and 3 are reported for the first time and 3 exhibits near infrared absorption. The impact of benzannulation at different positions of BODIPY is discussed, and the geometry and electronic structure are studied by DFT calculations.