Strategic Synthesis Of Asymmetrically Substituted C4n4 Fluorophores

C4N4 fluorophores comprise a recently disclosed new class of emissive organic molecules with modular synthetic capabilities. Herein, we report a new synthetic protocol toward asymmetrically diarylated C4N4 fluorescent materials. Direct monoarylation of 1-naphthol is exploited to suppress undesired diarylation and to provide a free phenolic hydroxy group for prospective linking to a molecule of interest. Installation of the second aromatic unit in order to acquire fluorescent properties is achieved by Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling.