EP1223197A2 — Symmetric, monofunctionalised polymethine dyes labelling reagents

USPTO Abstract

A symmetric cyanine of the formula: wherein: X is selected from the group consisting of O, S and C(CH 3 ) 2 ; W represents non-metal atoms required to form a benzo-condensed or a naphto-condensed ring; R 1 is selected from the group consisting of (CH 2 ) n CH 3 , (CH 2 ) n SO 3 - and (CH 2 ) n SO 3 H, wherein n is an integer selected from 0 to 6 when R 1 is (CH 2 ) n CH 3 , and n is an integer selected from 3 to 6 when R 1 is (CH 2 ) n SO 3 - or (CH 2 ) n SO 3 H; R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, a sulphonic moiety and a sulphonate moiety; Q is selected from the group consisting of: wherein q is 0 or 1 and D is selected from the group consisting of: -C≡C-G; and wherein A is O or S and G is, or contains a N, O or S nucleophile moiety or is, or contains a moiety capable of reacting with N, O or S nucleophiles.