Halogen bonding aza-BODIPYs for anion sensing and anion binding-modulated singlet oxygen generation

Abstract

Two novel aza-BODIPY based anion sensors, decorated with halogen bonding recognition sites, are capable of detecting halide anions at biologically-relevant near-IR wavelengths. With potential application for improving the selectivity of photodynamic therapy agents, unprecedented supramolecular host–guest anion binding-modulated singlet oxygen generation is demonstrated.