A series of boron, aluminum, gallium, and indium chelates containing the underexplored bis(phenolate) aza-dipyrromethene (aza-DIPY) core were prepared. These compounds were found to possess near-infrared absorption and emission profiles in the 710 to 770 nm domain and exhibit quantum yield values up to 14%. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that heavier group 13 bis(phenolate) aza-DIPY chelates possessed octahedral geometries with either THF or pyridine groups occupying the axial positions as opposed to the tetrahedral geometry of the boron chelate.
