Synthesis and optophysical properties of dimeric aza-BODIPY dyes with a push–pull benzodipyrrolidone core

A series of benzodipyrrolidone-based dimeric aza-BODIPY dyes with a push-pull structure are synthesized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction demonstrates these extended aza-BODIPY dyes are planar. The resulting aza-BODIPY chromophores exhibit intense absorption in the 450-800 nm regions and possess lower-lying LUMO energy levels. Furthermore, the push-pull substituents on aza-BODIPYs core have a positive effect on their optophysical properties.