Synthesis and characterization of a highly fluorescent benzofuran dimer derived from estradiol

Abstract

AbstractPd‐catalyzed cyclization of a fluorescent dimer in which two cores of the potent estrogenic estradiol are bridged by the 1,4‐diethynil benzene moiety led to a steroid dimer bearing the 1,4‐di(benzofuran‐2‐yl)benzene. The obtained compound showed an intense blue fluorescence characterized by a broad emission band between 350 and 550 nm, with four maxima at 384, 403, 435, and 456 nm. The benzofuran dimer showed an 18‐fold increased quantum yield compared with that of its synthetic precursor.