The synthesis and crystal structure of unsubstituted 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a, 4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY)

The fully unsubstituted 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a.4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) was synthesized for the first time by oxidation of dipyrromethane followed by treatment with boron trifluoride diethyl etherate in the presence of a base. The compound was fully characterized and its X-ray crystal structure is reported. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.