Synthesis of N,N-difluoroboryl complexes of 3,3′-diarylazadiisoindolylmethenes

N,N-Difluoroboryl complexes of 3,3′-diarylazadiisoindolylmethenes were synthesized by the reaction of BF3·OEt2 and 3,3′-diarylazadiisoindolylmethenes, which were easily prepared from a reaction between phthalonitrile and aryl Grignard reagents. These novel dyes exhibit strong absorption in the visible region and intense fluorescence in the vis/NIR region. Their synthesis, characterization, and optical properties are reported in this Letter.