4H-Imidazoles as functional dyes: synthesis of bichromophores and extension of the merocyanine system
作者:Martin Matschke、Jörg Blumhoff、Rainer Beckert
DOI:10.1016/j.tet.2008.05.117
日期:2008.8
A series of bichromophores consisting of a 'classical' chromophore and 4H-imidazoles were synthesized starting from appropriate cyano and carboxy functionalized systems. In their UV-vis spectra, an additive absorption of both chromophores was detected making them wide range-absorbing dyes. In addition, new properties as redox activity, pH-switchability and metal-chelating substructures are newly introduced into the molecules. In order to achieve more bathochromic absorbing systems, the chromophore of 4H-imidazoles was extended. The 4H-imidazo-[1,2-a]-pyridines, which are easily accessible by cyclization of 2-aminopyridines with bis-imidoylchlorides, show long wavelength absorptions up to 616 nm. Their reduction reversibly yields yellow, blue fluorescent 1-azaindolizines. In contrast to leucoforms reduction products show a high stability towards oxygen and could only forms of 4H-imidazoles, be reoxidized to their starting materials by oxidation agents, such as DDQ. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.