New fluorescent imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-BODIPY chromophores: Experimental and theoretical approaches, and cell imaging exploration

Abstract Based on imidazo[1,2- a ]pyridine derivatives, a series of mononuclear and binuclear fluorine-boron complexes 1a , b , 4a , b , and 5a , b have been designed and synthesized. X-ray crystal structures for single boron-core complexes 1b , 4a , 4b , and dual boron-core imidazo[1,2- a ]pyridine-BODIPY dyad 5b were obtained, and intermolecular C H⋯F interactions were observed in their solid state. High absorption coefficients, strong emissions, and high photostabilities have been demonstrated for these boron complexes. DFT and TD-DFT studies reveal efficient electronic interactions between the imidazo[1,2- a ]pyridine moiety and BODIPY plane for dyads 4a , b , and 5a , b . Cell imaging of 4a was tested to show good cellular uptake ability.