Mild synthesis of asymmetric 2'-carboxyethyl-substituted fluoresceins

Asymmetric fluoresceins bearing a carboxyethyl group in the chromophoric portion of the dyes were prepared by a reaction of substituted phthalic anhydride with a carboxyethyl substituted resorcinol analogue followed by a condensation with a second resorcinol analogue. In order to avoid an accumulation of symmetric side products, the second step was performed in two substeps: acid-catalyzed formation of a triphenylmethyl intermediate followed by base-catalyzed cyclization which furnished the desired dyes.