Strategic Synthesis of Asymmetrically Substituted C4N4 Fluorophores

Abstract C4N4 fluorophores comprise a recently disclosed new class of emissive organic molecules with modular synthetic capabilities. Herein, we report a new synthetic protocol toward asymmetrically di­arylated C4N4 fluorescent materials. Direct monoarylation of 1-naphthol is exploited to suppress undesired diarylation and to provide a free phenolic hydroxy group for prospective linking to a molecule of interest. Installation of the second aromatic unit in order to acquire fluorescent properties is achieved by Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling.