A novel and efficient protocol for the synthesis of amides is reported which employs a BODIPY catalyzed oxidative amidation reaction between aromatic aldehydes and amines under visible light. Compared with the known Ru or Ir molecular catalysts and other organic dyes, the BODIPY catalyst showed higher reactivity toward this reaction. Mechanistic studies reveal that dioxygen could be activated through
mono- and dibromination of 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-substituted BODIPYs were developed by using copper(II) bromide as the bromination reagent under mild reactions, in good to excellent yields. The selectivity of mono- or dibromination depends strongly on the additives of the reactions. copper - bromination - selectivity - fluorescent dyes - 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacenes