The C4N4 fluorophore is an intense fluorescence emitter featuring a 2,5-diaminopyrimidine core comprising four carbon and four nitrogen atoms. A series of C4N4 derivatives was photochemically dimerized at the 5-amino...

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