The preparation and photophysical properties of two heavier main group element analogues of boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) chromophores are described. Specifically, we have prepared dipyrrin complexes of dichlorogallate (GADIPY) or phenylphosphenium (PHODIPY) units. Whereas cationic PHODIPY is labile, decomposing to a phosphine over time, GADIPY is readily prepared in good yield as a crystalline solid having moderate air- and water-stability. Crystallographically characterized GADIPY displays intense green photoluminescence (λem = 505 nm, Φem = 0.91 in toluene). These inaugural heavier main group element analogues of BODIPY offer a glimpse into the potential for elaboration to a panoply of chromophores with diverse photophysical properties.

A P-C bond-forming reaction has been applied to the convenient preparation of tetraarylphosphonium polyelectrolytes (TPELs) from aryl dihalides and diphenylphosphine. A TPEL having a thermal decomposition temperature of 460 °C that is also stable to heating at 65 °C in 6 M NaOH(aq) for at least 24 h has been prepared by this method.

A series of seven cationic polymers have been prepared wherein the length of spacer between charge-bearing sites has been varied.