Functional supramolecular aggregates based on BODIPY and aza-BODIPY dyes: control over the pathway complexity

Abstract

Boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) and boron-azadipyrromethene (aza-BODIPY) dyes are attractive candidates for versatile building blocks for functional supramolecular dye aggregates owing to their excellent photophysical properties, stabilities, and facilities of chemical modification. This review gives an overview of the recent advances in the self-assembly of BODIPY and aza-BODIPY dyes, emphasizing the control over the kinetic pathway complexity of this class of dyes. Besides the theoretical models used for single or coupled supramolecular aggregation processes with isodesmic, cooperative, or anti-cooperative mechanisms, representative examples of BODIPY and aza-BODIPY aggregates with a variety of supramolecular interactions and pathway complexity are presented. The pathway-dependent functionalities and potential applications of these supramolecular aggregates are discussed.