Direct C-H functionalization of difluoroboron dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs) at β-position by iodonium salts.

A copper-catalyzed direct C-H arylation or vinylation of BODIPYs at the β-position by iodonium salts has been developed, which provides facile access to a variety of mono-substituted BODIPY dyes. Interestingly, β-styryl BODIPY compound 9b exhibits apparent cytotoxicity after laser irradiation, which has great potential for photodynamic therapy.