An efficient synthesis of LipidGreen and its derivatives via microwave assisted reaction and their live lipid imaging in zebrafish

We have developed an efficient synthesis of LipidGreen. The conversion is achieved by selective methylation with trimethylsilyldiazomethane, selective deprotection by BBr3 and an improved microwave-assisted C-allylation procedure. Using this route, we have synthesized novel LipidGreen derivatives, and evaluated their live imaging abilities in zebrafish. In this series, Compound 7 is the most active, which is at least 10 fold more potent than LipidGreen.