Pyrroles, dipyrrins and prodigiosenes: one, two and three

Abstract

The Thompson group aims to further the chemistry of pyrroles, dipyrrins and prodigiosenes. This micro-review discusses each of these research areas in turn, focussing on our achievements thus far.

Synthesis, Structure and Properties of the First Examples of Hexacoordinate SnIV Complexes of Pyrrolyldipyrrins

“…Dipyrrin with a pyrrolyl group at the α‐position, known as pyrrolyldipyrrin, is a common moiety of the natural product prodigiosin, a red pigment produced by certain bacteria Recently, pyrrolyldipyrrins have attracted a lot of attention in medical fields since these systems have tremendous potential for use as immunosuppressive antimicrobial, antimalarial and anticancer agents . These tripyrrolic systems were prepared by following tedious synthetic steps using not‐so‐readily available precursors . In 2011, we developed a simple synthetic route to prepare BF 2 complexes of pyrrolyldipyrrins I , known as 3‐pyrrolyl BODIPYs .…”

“…In 2011, we developed a simple synthetic route to prepare BF 2 complexes of pyrrolyldipyrrins I , known as 3‐pyrrolyl BODIPYs . These fluorescent long‐wavelength absorbing/emitting boron‐difluoride complexes are also commercially available,, but they are very expensive due to the unavailability of proper synthetic routes . Our reported method is very useful for the preparation of meso ‐aryl‐substituted BF 2 complexes of pyrrolyldipyrrins .…”

“…Because of their interesting photophysical properties and biological applications, the chemistry of 3‐pyrrolyl BODIPYs has been well established over the years , . Interestingly, there are very few metal complexes of pyrrolyldipyrrins because of the tedious synthetic approaches needed to obtain pyrrolyldipyrrin ligands . Recently, the similar bidentate nature of pyrrolyldipyrrins was also exploited in the synthesis of several homoleptic Zn II complexes II .…”