Suzuki and Heck Processes for the Synthesis of New Anthraquinone-Based Glycoconjugated Dyes

Starting from a bromo-anthraquinone dye, different aryl- and styril- derivates are obtained following Suzuki and Heck procedures. Bathochromic shifts are displayed for the products, if compared to the starting anthraquinone dye. Two of these dyes, coming from either the Suzuki and the Heck processes, have been glycosylated with a piperazinyl-lactose derivative, so that two naturalized species are finally obtained. Therefore, the disperse chromophores were transformed in water soluble direct species. These kinds of dyes allow to avoid azo- structures, that are object of growing criticism in the European Union due to their environmental impact.