Cyanine dyes and synthesis methods thereof

摘要

A cyanine dye having the formula wherein R1-R8 are each independently selected from a group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl group, and C0-C4 alkyl group having a hydrophilic substituent thereon. R11 and R12 are chosen to include a free or protected thiol, amine or hydroxyl substituent capable of reacting with a target molecule through a nucleophilic displacement mechanism. The dye is useful in labeling a variety of target molecules. Processes are described for synthesizing suitable heterocyclic and indole derivatives as precursors for the aforementioned cyanine dyes.