Fluorescein esters and ethers and the preparation thereof

Abstract

Fluorescein esters and ethers including the dioleyl derivative of fluorescein are disclosed. These compounds have the useful property of being fluorescent under the influence of the proper frequency of electromagnetic irradiation. Further, dioleyl fluorescein is readily incorporated into low-density lipoproteins which can then become part of the cell matter; the compounds retain their fluorescent properties during this procedure. The fluorescence allows cells to be identified and separated. The fluorescein esters and ethers are prepared from fluorescein and the novel reagent O-alkenyl-N,N'-dialkylisourea.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.