BODIPY-based photosensitizers with intense visible light harvesting ability and high 1O2 quantum yield in aqueous solution†
Abstract
A novel method to enhance the singlet oxygen quantum yield of photosensitizers in aqueous solution has been developed by introducing an electron-withdrawing group into BODIPY. B-2 was prepared based on this method and shows intense light harvesting ability (ε = 6.8 × 104 M−1 cm−1 at 643 nm) and high 1O2 quantum yield in aqueous solution (Φ = 0.21). B-2 has been successfully used as an 1O2 sensitizer for the photo-oxidation of 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene. This method substantially improves the photooxidation capability and photostability of 1O2 sensitizers in aqueous solution.