Synthesis of novel fluorogenic L-Fmoc lysine derivatives as potential tools for imaging cells.

Two coumarin-labeled lysines were conveniently prepared as fluorescent probes. 7-Methoxy and 7-diethylamino coumarin-3-carboxylic acids were synthesized according to a modification of known procedures. Labeling at lysine was achieved in solution via the active N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of the carboxylic acid coumarin derivatives to give the target compounds in good yield. Spectroscopic data (UV-vis and fluorescence) were recorded for all compounds.