Design and applications of dipyrrin-based fluorescent dyes and related organic luminophores: From individual compounds to supramolecular self-assembled systems

Abstract The review is focused on the recent advances devoted to the diversity of the structures of a number of fluorescent dyes, in particular, dipyrrin complexes of boron – bodipy, their derivatives, analogs and related organic luminophores obtained on the basis of preorganization principles and directed molecular design. The properties of these dyes found in modern materials and acting either as independent preorganized molecules or as a part of complex molecular assemblies obtained by means of self-assembly and self-organization are being discussed. The possibilities of using fluorescent techniques and realizing the potential of optically active materials as high-performance sensors of self-assembly processes were also shown. The obtaining features and spectral characteristics of ionic and coordinate self-assemblies, including individual preorganized fluorophores, supramolecular gels, and polymers, as well as various nanomaterials based on the principles of supramolecular chemistry are being considered. The objective of this review is to show the relationship between unique properties of preorganized fluorophores and related dye-contained systems and their advantages in influencing on/taking part in supramolecular self-assemblies with a further design of new functionalized nano- and micro-sized objects and high-tech materials. Applications of fluorescent technics and optically active materials are also being discussed.