Synthesis and Properties of V-Shaped Xanthene Dyes with Tunable and Predictable Absorption and Emission Wavelengths

V-shaped xanthene dyes capable of predicting absorption and emission wavelengths are described. These dyes were synthesized by bridging a xanthene ring and an aryl moiety of fluorescein through ether covalent bonds. These dyes showed longer absorption and emission wavelengths than those of the parent fluorescein. Furthermore, substituents introduced on the aryl moiety mainly affected the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level of the molecule. Therefore, the Hammett substituent constants could be used to predict the absorption and emission wavelengths of the compound.