The Synthesis of a New Class of Highly Fluorescent Chromones via an Inverse-Demand Hetero-Diels–Alder Reaction

A new class of fluorophores has been developed utilizing an inverse-demand hetero-Diels–Alder reaction with silyl enol ethers and substituted 3-formylchromones. These compounds yield blue to green fluorescence with quantum yields up to 73%. They also exhibit good potential for use as fluorescent probes in biological systems, as they are cell membrane permeable with low cytotoxicity.