Synthesis and evaluation of tellurophene–BODIPY photosensitizers appended to estradiol

This article describes the synthesis and evaluation of a new class of photosensitizer containing a BODIPY unit with two tellurophene heterocycles at boron and an estradiol unit appended via the dipyrrinato backbone. These compounds were obtained via copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition of alkyne-functionalized estradiols and azide-functionalized BODIPYs featuring tellurophene motifs at the boron center. The photochemical and photophysical properties of the conjugates were evaluated, with a view to exploring potential for targeted photodynamic therapy effects.