Synthesis of Readily Accessible BODIPY-Based Fluorescence Derivatization Reagents for Amines

Abstract

Two BODIPY-based fluorescence derivatization reagents (FDRs) for amines were synthesized in a simple manner with practically acceptable yields via five steps. Both FDRs showed prompt reactivity, even against sterically hindered amines, to afford the corresponding FDR-labeled products in good yields. The solvent effect upon the fluorescence intensity of the derivatized amine was also investigated in a methanol-water binary solvent system to demonstrate that the strong fluorescence intensity was maintained in the solvent with a 0-60% water ratio. The detection limits of the new FDRs were estimated to be 20 fmol, which makes it much more sensitive than commercially available FDRs.