An effective method for transition-metal-free
postfunctionalization
of thiazolo[3,2-
c
][1,3,5,2]oxadiazaborinine dyes
via direct lithiation of the 1,3-thiazole ring was developed. The
reaction allows valuable regioselective C–H modification of
these N,O-chelated organoboron chromophores incorporating different
groups, including C-, Hal-, Si-, S-, Se-, and Sn-substituents. As
a result, a library of novel fluorescent 1,3-thiazole-based organoboron
complexes has been synthesized and characterized. The influence of
the donor/acceptor strength of the substituent E on the photophysical
properties has been established. The compound with a bulky lipophilic
substituent (SnBu
3
) exhibits a relatively high solid-state
photoluminescence quantum yield of 44%.