Geometry optimizations and TD-DFT calculations have been carried out on series of fused-ring-expanded phthalonitriles, phthalocyanines, and aza-dipyrromethene boron difluoride (aza-BODIPY) dyes and trends in their optical and redox properties have been analyzed. The potential utility of fused-ring-expanded phthalocyanine and aza-BODIPY analogues for photodynamic therapy and near infrared region sensor applications is assessed on this basis. Recent attempts to prepare fused-ring-expanded aza-BODIPY analogues with benzene, pyrazine, and naphthalene rings have demonstrated that the properties of aza-BODIPYs vary markedly when different fused ring systems are added to the β -carbons of the pyrrole rings. |
