Synthesis and Evaluation of Tellurophene-appended BODIPYs

Abstract

This thesis provides a comprehensive overview of the synthetic procedures for late-stage functionalisation of 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacenes (BODIPYs), specifically to append a tellurophene motif to unleash the photosensitisation capabilities of BODIPYs whilst providing a mass tag, via the tellurium atom, for mass cytometry. The design and synthesis of the first tellurophene-appended BODIPY framework is realised. Investigational studies confirm tellurophene-appended BODIPYs exhibit desired photochemical characteristics for photosensitisation and the tellurium atom is traceable by mass cytometry. Tellurophenes are appended to BODIPYs via the boron centre and via the beta- and meso-positions of the dipyrrinato core. Further functionalisation involves appending the tellurophene-BODIPY framework to biological ligands, towards targeted therapy.