MURAL - Maynooth University Research Archive Library



    Continuous Flow Synthesis of DABCYL Azo Fluorescent Quenchers


    McCormack, Adam T. and Stephens, John C. (2026) Continuous Flow Synthesis of DABCYL Azo Fluorescent Quenchers. Organic Process Research & Development, 30. pp. 1503-1513. ISSN 1083-6160

    Abstract

    A robust and inherently safer continuous flow process has been developed for the synthesis of DABCYL azo fluorescent quenchers. The conventional diazotization azo coupling sequence was successfully translated from hazardous batch conditions to a controlled multistep flow process, enabling the in situ generation and immediate consumption of reactive diazonium intermediates. Systematic optimization of temperature and residence time afforded yields up to 84% and throughputs of 17 g h −1 Supporting Information in single-step operation. The integrated two-step continuous system delivered DABCYL 3a in up to 84% yield with a throughput exceeding 65 g h −1 and excellent reproducibility. All DABCYL derivatives exhibited broad visible absorption (418−532 nm) and high molar extinction coefficients (2.4−3.3 × 10 4 M −1 cm −1 ), confirming their suitability as dark quenchers. The process demonstrates enhanced safety and throughput, providing a practical foundation for the potential development of industrial-scale manufacture of specialty DABCYL reagents and related azo compounds.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: continuous flow chemistry; process intensification; azo coupling; diazotization; DABCYL; fluorescent quenchers;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science & Engineering > Chemistry
    Faculty of Science & Engineering > Research Institutes > Human Health Institute
    Item ID: 22018
    Identification Number: 10.1021/acs.oprd.5c00461
    Depositing User: Dr John Stephens
    Date Deposited: 02 Nov 2026 15:13
    Journal or Publication Title: Organic Process Research & Development
    Publisher: American Chemical Society Publications
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

    Downloads

    Downloads per month over past year

    Origin of downloads

    Altmetric Badge

    Repository Staff Only (login required)

    Item control page
    Item control page