Synthesis of fluorinated fluoresceins

Two novel approaches for the synthesis of fluorinated fluoresceins were developed through the use of fluorinated nitrobenzenes. The nitro group directed the fluoride displacement by methoxy groups at positions ortho and para establishing the resorcinol as the framework. Hydrodediazoniation and catalytic hydrogenation removed the directing nitro group, while demethylation yielded the desired fluorinated resorcinols.