A facile route to functionalized naphthalimide dyes via copper-catalyzed C–N, C–O, and C–S cross-coupling reactions in aqueous medium

A mild, facile, and efficient synthesis of fluorescent naphthalimide dyes via CuI-catalyzed CN, CO, and CS Ullman-type condensation reactions using amines, alcohols, and thiols is described. The reactions were carried out in the presence of KF/Al2O3 as a mild basic support in water as a green solvent. This protocol tolerates a wide range of functional groups and provides functionalized naphthalimide dyes in good to excellent yields.