Recent developments in heteroporphyrins and their analogues

Chalcogen atom effect on the intersystem crossing kinetic constant of oxygen- and sulfur disubstituted heteroporphyrins

The modulation of the photophysical properties of di-substituted porphyrin rings upon the oxygen and sulfur-for-nitrogen replacement has been investigated at density functional theory (DFT) and its time-dependent formulation (TDDFT). The considered properties range from structural behaviors and excitation energies to spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and nonradiative intersystem kinetic constants. Results show that the SOC strongly increase upon chalcogen substitution and, accordingly, the computed nonradiative kinetic constant also indicate an efficient singlet-triplet intersystem crossing in the sulfur containing macrocycle. The presented results indicate an alternative way to properly modulate the porphyrin's crucial properties for their use in photodynamic therapy, without resorting to the use of heavy atoms.

Porphyrinoid framework embedded with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: new synthetic marvels

The highly conjugated tetrapyrrolic porphyrin macrocycle and its contracted and expanded congeners have been extensively used for a wide range of applications across diverse research domains because of their captivating and intriguing features. Over the years, the porphyrin framework and electronic properties of porphyrinoids have been modified and tuned by replacing one or more pyrrole ring(s) with five- and six-membered heterocycles/carbacycles, and their resulting properties have been explored. In recent times, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as biphenyl, terphenyl, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, fluorene, pyrene and dibenzo[g,p]chrysene, have been used to replace one or more pyrrole rings of porphyrinoids, and resulting polycyclic-aromatic-embedded porphyrinoids show unique features that differ from those of other modified porphyrinoids. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the porphyrinoid macrocyclic framework induce different π-conjugation pathways in macrocycles, exhibit variable degrees of aromaticity from nonaromatic to aromatic and antiaromatic and provide a unique ligand environment to form stable coordination and organometallic complexes in which metals show uncommon oxidation states and unusual reactivity. This review presents an overview of the synthesis, coordination chemistry, structure and properties of various porphyrinoids with an embedded PAH that have been reported to date.

Synthesis of Phenothiazine Embedded Heteroporphyrins

A series of phenothiazine embedded heteroporphyrins containing one phenothiazine unit, two pyrrole rings and one heterocycle such as furan, thiophene, selenophene and tellurophene connected via four meso carbons were synthesized. The macrocycles were synthesized by condensing the phenothiazine based tripyrrane with corresponding 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)heterocycle under BF3  ⋅ OEt2 catalyzed conditions and compared the structural, spectral, and electrochemical properties with the reported phenothiazinophyrins. The studies showed that the phenothiazine embedded heteroporphyrins were nonaromatic and electronic properties were significantly altered by replacing the pyrrole ring from phenothiazinophyrin with different heterocycles. The X-ray structure of phenothiazine embedded thiaporphyrin revealed that the macrocycle was distorted with an inverted thiophene ring. Both mono-protonated and diprotonated derivatives of macrocycles were generated by the controlled addition of trifluoroacetic acid to the macrocycles. The macrocyclic protons experienced upfield/downfield shifts in protonated derivatives compared to their corresponding neutral phenothiazine embedded heteroporphyrins. However, the heterocyclic ring in both mono- and diprotonated derivatives retained its inverted conformation. The macrocycles in their neutral and protonated form exhibit nonaromatic absorption features. The studies indicated the electron rich nature of macrocycles and DFT/TD-DFT studies were carried out to justify the experimental observations.

Synthesis of stable nonaromatic phenothiazinophyrins

Stable and nonaromatic phenothiazinophyrins which resulted from the replacement of one of the pyrrole rings of porphyrin with a phenothiazine unit were synthesized by condensing phenothiazine based tripyrrane with aryl aldehyde and pyrrole under acid catalysed conditions. NMR studies revealed that the pyrrole ring that is across the phenothiazine unit is inverted and DFT studies also supported that the pyrrole ring inverted phenothiazinophyrins were more stable. Phenothiazinophyrins and their protonated derivatives showed panchromatic absorption features and absorbed in the visible to NIR region.

Unraveling Structure-Performance Relationships in Porphyrin-Sensitized TiO2 Photocatalysts

Over the years, porphyrins have arisen as exceptional photosensitizers given their ability to act as chlorophyll-mimicking dyes, thus, transferring energy from the light-collecting areas to the reaction centers, as it happens in natural photosynthesis. For this reason, porphyrin-sensitized TiO₂-based nanocomposites have been widely exploited in the field of photovoltaics and photocatalysis in order to overcome the well-known limitations of these semiconductors. However, even though both areas of application share some common working principles, the development of solar cells has led the way in what is referred to the continuous improvement of these architectures, particularly regarding the molecular design of these photosynthetic pigments. Yet, those innovations have not been efficiently translated to the field of dye-sensitized photocatalysis. This review aims at filling this gap by performing an in-depth exploration of the most recent advances in the understanding of the role played by the different structural motifs of porphyrins as sensitizers in light-driven TiO₂-mediated catalysis. With this goal in mind, the chemical transformations, as well as the reaction conditions under which these dyes must operate, are taken in consideration. The conclusions drawn from this comprehensive analysis offer valuable hints for the implementation of novel porphyrin-TiO₂ composites, which may pave the way toward the fabrication of more efficient photocatalysts.

Two Rhodium(III) Ions Confined in a [18]Porphyrin Frame: 5,10,15,20‐Tetraaryl‐21,23‐Dirhodaporphyrin

Tetraaryl‐21,23‐dirhodaporphyrin and a series of related monorhodaporphyrins have been obtained by tellurium‐to‐rhodium exchange in a reaction of tetraaryl‐21,23‐ditelluraporphyrin with [RhCl(CO)₂]₂. These organometallic metallaporphyrins contain rhodium(III) centers embedded in rhodacyclopentadiene rings, incorporated within the porphyrin frames. The skeletons of 21,23‐dirhodaporphyrin and 21‐rhoda‐23‐telluraporphyrin are strongly deformed in‐plane from the rectangular shape typical for porphyrins, due to rhodium(III) coordination preferences, the large size of the two core atoms, and the porphyrin skeleton constrains. These two metallaporphyrins exhibit fluxional behavior, as studied by ¹H NMR and DFT, involving the in‐plane motion and the switch of the rhodium center(s) between two nitrogen donors. A side product detected in the reaction mixture, 21‐oxa‐23‐rhodaporphyrin, results from tellurium‐to‐oxygen exchange, occurring in parallel to the tellurium‐to‐rhodium exchange. The reaction paths and mechanisms have been analyzed. The title 21,23‐dirhodaporphyrin contains a bridged bimetallic unit, Rh₂Cl₂, in the center of the macrocycle, with two rhodium(III) ions lying approximately in the plane of the porphyrinoid skeleton. The geometry of the implanted Rh₂Cl₂ unit is affected by macrocyclic constrains.

Metal Complexes of Porphyrinoids Containing Nonpyrrolic Heterocycles

The replacement of one or more pyrrolic building block(s) of a porphyrin by a nonpyrrolic heterocycle leads to the formation of so-called pyrrole-modified porphyrins (PMPs), porphyrinoids of broad structural variability. The wide range of coordination environments (type, number, charge, and architecture of the donor atoms) that the pyrrole-modified frameworks provide to the central metal ions, the frequent presence of donor atoms at their periphery, and their often observed nonplanarity or conformational flexibility distinguish the complexes of the PMPs clearly from those of the traditional square-planar, dianionic, N₄-coordinating (hydro)porphyrins. Their different coordination properties suggest their utilization in areas beyond which regular metalloporphyrins are suitable. Following a general introduction to the synthetic methodologies available to generate pyrrole-modified porphyrins, their general structure, history, coordination chemistry, and optical properties, this Review highlights the chemical, electronic (optical), and structural differences of specific classes of metalloporphyrinoids containing nonpyrrolic heterocycles. The focus is on macrocycles with similar "tetrapyrrolic" architectures as porphyrins, thusly excluding the majority of expanded porphyrins. We highlight the relevance and application of these metal complexes in biological and technical fields as chemosensors, catalysts, photochemotherapeutics, or imaging agents. This Review provides an introduction to the field of metallo-PMPs as well as a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of the art of their synthesis, structures, and properties. It also aims to provide encouragement for the further study of these intriguing and structurally versatile metalloporphyrinoids.

Tellurophene-Containing Core-Modified Pentaphyrin(2.1.1.1.1)s

Various core-modified tellurophene-containing pentaphyrin(2.1.1.1.1)s were synthesized via (3 + 2) condensation of 16-telluratripyrrane with different heterodiols under mild acid catalyzed conditions in 5-12% yields. The formation of pentaphyrin (2.1.1.1.1) with a N₂O₂Te core was not successful due to its inherent instability. The new pentaphyrins were characterized and studied by HR-MS, 1D and 2D NMR, X-ray crystallography for one of the pentaphyrins, absorption and DFT/TD-DFT techniques. The NMR studies indicated their nonaromatic nature. The X-ray structure obtained for pentaphyrin(2.1.1.1.1) with N₄Te core revealed that the macrocycle exists in a highly distorted nonplanar structure. The DFT studies showed that the macrocycles are nonaromatic and exists in highly distorted nonplanar geometry. Furthermore, as the core heterocyclic groups at ethene moiety were changed from pyrrole to furan to thiophene to benzene, the macrocycles tended toward more planar structures. The absorption spectra of pentaphyrins showed one strong sharp band in the region of 450-540 nm along with a broad band in the region of 700-800 nm. The pentaphyrin(2.1.1.1.1) with N4Te core upon protonation showed distinct color change in solution and large bathochromic shifts in absorption bands with an absorption in the NIR region.

Hexabenzocoronene functionalized with antiaromatic S- and Se-core-modified porphyrins (isophlorins): comparison with the dyad with regular porphyrin

The important and perspective molecular building blocks composed of hexaphenylbenzenes (HPBs) or their oxidized derivatives, hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs), and metalloporphyrins have recently received significant attention of the researchers. In this study, motivated by recent findings, we have addressed the modifications of structures and properties of HBC-porphyrin compounds by using instead of aromatic porphyrins antiaromatic 20π isophlorin derivatives of thiophene or selenophene. We have reported the first comparative computational investigation of the following systems: (i) HBC with one non-metallated aromatic porphyrin, P(N4H2), unit, HBC-P(N4H2), (ii) HBC with one S-core-modified antiaromatic porphyrin (S-isophlorin), PS4, unit, HBC-PS4, and (iii) HBC with one Se-core-modified antiaromatic porphyrin (Se-isophlorin), PSe4, unit, HBC-PSe4. The study has been done employing the B3LYP/6-31G* approach (in the gas phase and in the implicit solvents, benzene and dichloromethane), and comparison with the B3LYP/6-31G** and B3LYP/6-311G* approaches was performed, where relevant. The effects of the core-modified antiaromatic isophlorins on the structures, electronic, and other properties, potentially including reactivity, of the whole building block HBC-isophlorin have been shown to be quite pronounced and to be noticeably stronger than the effects of the original aromatic non-metallated porphyrin. Thus, we have demonstrated theoretically that the complete porphyrin core-modification with other elements, this time with S and Se leading to the formation of the antiaromatic isophlorins, should be considered as a promising way for modifying and tuning structures, electronic properties and reactivity of the hexabenzocoronene-porphyrin(s) building blocks.

Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Palladium(II) Complex of α-Formyl Pyrrolyl Dipyrromethene

A simple α-formyl pyrrolyl dipyrromethene ligand was synthesized by deboronation of BF2-complex of α-formyl pyrrolyl dipyrrin under Lewis acid-catalyzed conditions. The α-formyl pyrrolyl dipyrrin ligand was treated with PdCl2 in...

Inverted and fused expanded heteroporphyrins

Expanded heteroporphyrins are a class of porphyrin macrocycles containing pyrrole, thiophene, furan, selenophene and other heterocyclic rings that are connected to form an internal ring pathway containing a minimum of 17 atoms and more than 18 delocalized π electrons in their conjugated macrocyclic framework. Considering that expanded heteroporphyrins are large in size, these macrocycles are structurally flexible and prefer to adopt various conformations in which one or more pyrrole(s)/heterocycle(s) tend to be in an inverted conformation and pointed outward from the centre of the macrocyclic core. The inverted expanded heteroporphyrins are divided into two classes as follows: (1) N-inverted expanded heteroporphyrins and (2) hetero-atom inverted expanded heteroporphyrins. Both inverted expanded heteroporphyrins show quite unique features in terms of their structure, aromaticity, and electronic and coordination properties. Sometimes, inverted expanded heteroporphyrins lead to the formation of fused expanded heteroporphyrins because of the intramolecular fusion of the pyrrole "N" with the "C" of the inverted heterocycle ring, which also exhibit unique features compared to inverted expanded heteroporphyrins. In this review, we attempt to describe the synthesis, structure, and aromatic, electronic and coordination properties of inverted and fused expanded heteroporphyrins. This review covers the synthesis, structure and properties of inverted and fused expanded heteroporphyrins containing a combination of pyrrole/heterocycle rings starting with five pyrrole/heterocycle-containing pentaphyrins, and then expanded heteroporphyrins containing six, seven, eight and more pyrrole/heterocyclic rings in their porphyrin macrocyclic framework.

Core-modified porphyrins: novel building blocks in chemistry

Various (metallo)porphyrins and related compounds have been intensively investigated by different research groups due to their extremely important role in living organisms along with their versatile applications in technology. The design of novel porphyrinoids by core-modification, or substitution of pyrrole nitrogens, with the elements of other groups of the Periodic Table has been considered as a highly promising methodology for tuning structures and properties of porphyrinoids and thus opening new possible applications for them. Much effort has been given to the modifications of the porphyrin core with elements of the main groups, namely O, S, Se (chalcogens), and the heavier congener of nitrogen, phosphorus. In general, the porphyrin core modification by replacing nitrogens with heteroatoms is a promising and effective strategy for obtaining new compounds with unusual structures and properties (optical, electrochemical, coordinating, etc.) as well as reactivity. These novel molecules can also be employed as promising building or construction blocks in various applications in the nanotechnology area.

Synthesis and Properties of Dibenzothiophene Embedded Heteroporphyrins

A series of new stable dibenzothiophene embedded heteroporphyrins were synthesized in 6-7% yields by condensing 1 equiv of dibenzothiophene-based tripyrrane with 1 equiv of four different diols, 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)heterocycles (furan, thiophene, selenophene, and tellurophene), under mild acid-catalyzed conditions in CH₂Cl₂. The formation of dibenzothiophene embedded heteroporphyrins was confirmed by high-resolution mass spectrometry and thoroughly characterized by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, absorption, electrochemical, and density functional theory/time-dependent density functional theory (DFT/TD-DFT) studies. The NMR studies indicated that the macrocycles were nonaromatic in nature. The electronic properties of the macrocycles were significantly altered as the heterocycle of the macrocycles was varied from furan to thiophene, selenophene, and tellurophene, as reflected clearly in the spectral and electrochemical properties. The macrocycles exhibited a sharp band in the region of 420-440 nm and a relatively broad absorption band(s) in the higher wavelength region of 550-800 nm. The oxa analogue was considerably blue-shifted as compared to the other macrocycles, whereas the tellura analogue exhibited relatively broadened and red-shifted absorption bands. Upon protonation of these macrocycles, the resulting diprotonated species displayed bathochromically shifted absorption bands, which were extended to the NIR region. DFT studies revealed that the macrocycles were highly distorted and strained and exhibited half chair conformation with restricted π-conjugation and confirmed their nonaromatic nature due to the lack of planarity of the macrocycle. TD-DFT studies were in agreement with the experimental spectral and electrochemical results.

Comparison of P- and As-core-modified porphyrins with the parental porphyrin: a computational study

The first comparative DFT (B3LYP/6-31G*) study of the Zn-porphyrin and its two derivatives, ZnP(P)4 and ZnP(As)4, is reported. For all three species studied, ZnP, ZnP(P)4 and ZnP(As)4, the singlet was calculated to be the lowest-energy structure and singlet-triplet gap was found to decrease from ca. 41—42 kcal/mol for N to ca. 17—18 kcal/mol for P and to ca. 10 kcal/mol for As. Both ZnP(P)4 and ZnP(As)4 were calculated to attain very pronounced bowl-like shapes. The frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) of the core-modified porphyrins are quite similar to the ZnP frontier MOs. For the HOMO-2 of the core-modified porphyrins due to the ZnP(P)4/ZnP(As)4 bowl-like shapes we might suppose the existence of “internal” electron delocalization inside the ZnP(P)4/ZnP(As)4 “bowls”. Noticeable reduction of the HOMO/LUMO gaps was calculated for ZnP(P)4 and ZnP(As)4, by ca. 1.10 and 1.47 eV, respectively, compared to ZnP. The core-modification of porphyrins by P and especially by As was found to result in significant decrease of the charge on Zn-centers, by ca. 0.61—0.67e for P and by ca. 0.69—0.76e for As. Charges on P- and As-centers were computed to have large positive values, ca. 0.41—0.45e and ca. 0.43—0.47e, for P and As, respectively, compared to significant negative values, ca. −0.65 to −0.66e for N. The porphyrin core-modification by heavier N congeners, P and As, can noticeably modify the structures, electronic, and optical properties of porphyrins, thus affecting their reactivity and potential applications.

Pyrrole-Modified Porphyrins Containing Eight-Membered Heterocycles Using a Reversal of the "Breaking and Mending" Strategy

The conversion of meso-aryl-porphyrins/chlorins to porphyrinoids containing nonpyrrolic heterocycles (so-called pyrrole-modified porphyrins, PMPs) along an approach we dubbed "the breaking and mending of porphyrins" is well known. However, examples are limited to the synthesis of PMPs containing up to six-membered heterocycles; the syntheses of larger rings failed. We report here hitherto unavailable eight-membered chlorin-type PMPs using an inverted "mending and breaking" approach. All examples are based on the addition of N,N'-dimethylurea derivatives to a meso-phenyl-β,β'-dioxoporphyrin, followed by oxidative cleavage of the intermediate diol adduct. We correlate the extremely nonplanar solid-state structures of three crystallographically characterized PMPs containing an eight-membered ring with their solution-state optical properties. The first examples of bis-modified, bacteriochlorin-type PMPs containing either two eight-membered rings or an eight-membered ring and an imidazolone ring are also detailed. Using other N,N'-nucleophiles failed to either generate chlorins containing a β,β'-dihydroxypyrroline, a prerequisite for the "breaking step," or the cleavage of those substrates that did generate a diol underwent subsequent reactions that thwarted the generation of the desired PMPs. This contribution adds novel PMPs containing eight-membered rings, highlights the effects these derivatizations have on the macrocycle conformation, and how that affects their optical properties.

Synthesis and Characterization of N-Methylporphyrins, Heteroporphyrins, Carbaporphyrins, and Related Systems

MacDonald-type "3 + 1" condensations of an N-methyltripyrrane with a series of dialdehydes afforded a matched set of N-methylporphyrins, N-methylheteroporphyrins, N-methyloxybenziporphyrin, N-methyloxypyriporphyrin, N-methyltropiporphyrin, and a N-methylcarbaporphyrin aldehyde. meso-Unsubstituted heteroporphyrins have been little explored previously, and this strategy was also used to prepare N-unsubstituted 21-oxa-, 21-thia-, and 21-selenaporphyrins. In every case, the N-methylporphyrinoids exhibited weaker, bathochromically shifted UV-Vis absorptions compared to their core unsubstituted congeners. However, proton NMR spectroscopy demonstrated that these derivatives retained strong diamagnetic ring currents and the presence of the internal alkyl substituents had little effect on the global aromatic characteristics. Nevertheless, the UV-Vis spectra of N-methyl-oxybenzi- and N-methyl-oxypyriporphyrins were dramatically altered and gave greatly weakened absorptions. N-Methyl-oxybenzi- and N-methyltropiporphyrins reacted with palladium(II) acetate to give stable palladium(II) complexes, demonstrating that N-alkylation alters the metalation properties for these carbaporphyrinoids. The organometallic derivatives also retained strongly aromatic properties, and the proton NMR spectra showed the N-methyl resonances near -3 ppm. N-Methylcarbaporphyrin-2-carbaldehyde also gave a palladium(II) complex, but this gradually rearranged at higher temperatures to afford a C-methyl complex. The results demonstrate that core alkylation of porphyrinoids greatly alters the reactivity and spectroscopic properties for these systems.

Understanding the structures and aromaticity of heteroporphyrins with computations

Heteroporphyrins are porphyrin derivatives with replacement of the pyrrolic NH moiety by other heteroatom-containing groups, such as PH, AsH, SiH2, O, S, etc. For all studied heteroporphyrins, the macrocycle structure is distorted due to the presence of large heteroatoms. The HOMO-LUMO gap of heteroporphyrins is generally decreased compared to regular porphyrins. Both nucleus independent chemical shifts values and visualized anisotropy of induced current density were computed to describe the aromaticity of heteroporphyrins. The plots of anisotropy of induced current density suggest that the ring current diverged into an outer and an inner pathway at each ring. The current mainly passes through the outer path at the pyrrolic rings with inner hydrogen and through the inner path at the pyrrolic rings without inner hydrogen. In both regular porphyrin and O-substituted heteroporphyrins, the aromatic pathway is mainly contributed by the 22π-electron aromatic route model. Heteroatoms such as PH, AsH, S, Se and Te have little contribution to the aromaticity of heteroporphyrins. In addition, the π conjugation is also interrupted at the CH2 and SiH2 moiety, and the ring current mainly passes through the outer path of the heteroporphyrins with CH2 and SiH2 replacing the pyrrolic NH moiety. Therefore the 18π-[18]annulene model is dominated in PH-, AsH-, S-, Se-, Te-, CH2- and SiH2-substituted heteroporphyrins. These computational studies shed new light on the aromatic characters of heteroporphyrins, and will facilitate the further development of various novel heteroporphyrins.

Rational Synthesis of 5,5,5-Tricyclic Fused Thia-heptaphyrin (1.1.1.1.1.1.0) From a Helical Oligopyrrin Hybrid

Oxidation of a thiophene-hexapyrrane hybrid S-P₆ afforded a stable conjugated open-chain thiaheptapyrrolic helix 1 with the terminal thiophene and confused pyrrole units lying at a long distance that is adverse for further cyclization. Chelation of 1 with copper(II) ion afforded 1-Cu, which exhibits more distant terminal units. Interestingly, further oxidation of 1 triggered an intramolecular C-N fusion reaction to afford a unique 5,5,5-tricyclic fused linear thiaheptapyrrin 2, with the two terminals positioned in proximity, which favors the oxidative ring-closure reaction to give a unique 5,5,5-tricyclic fused thiaheptaphyrin (1.1.1.1.1.1.0) 3 under air. The inner-fusion strategy for positioning the reactive sites in proximity to promote oxidative cyclization offers a new approach for constructing large porphyrinoids through conjugated oligopyrrins without the assistance of metal ions.

Dibenzofuran/Dibenzothiophene-Embedded Dithia-bis(calix)-sapphyrins

A series of first examples of dibenzofuran (DBF)/dibenzothiophene (DBT)-embedded dithia-bis(calix)-sapphyrins were synthesized by condensing 1 equiv of dibenzofuran/dibenzothiophene-based tripyrrane with 1 equiv of [2,2'-bithiophene]-5,5'-diylbis(aryl)methanol under mild acid-catalyzed conditions in CH₂Cl₂ followed by oxidation with DDQ (2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone) and alumina column chromatographic purification afforded new dithia-bis(calix)-sapphyrins with two meso-sp³ carbons in 5-7% yields. The DBF/DBT-embedded dithia-bis(calix)-sapphyrins were characterized by HRMS (high-resolution mass spectrometry), ¹H and ¹³C NMR, ¹H-¹H COSY, ¹H-¹H NOESY, ¹H-¹³C HSQC, and ¹H-¹³C HMBC spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and density functional theory (DFT) studies. The macrocycles showed one broad absorption band at ∼553 nm with a shoulder peak at the higher energy side along with a sharp intense band at ∼415 nm. However, the protonated dithia-bis(calix)-sapphyrins showed large bathochromic shifts in the absorption bands, indicating that the electronic properties of dithia-bis(calix)-sapphyrins were altered significantly upon protonation of dithia-bis(calix)-sapphyrins. The electrochemical study indicated that dithia-bis(calix)-sapphyrins are relatively easier to reduce but difficult to oxidize. The DFT studies revealed that macrocycles adopt a highly folded half-chair conformation due to the disruption of conjugation of the macrocycle because of the presence of two sp³ meso-carbons. The DFT studies also support the significant bathochromic shifts observed for protonated dithia-bis(calix)-sapphyrins macrocycles.

Phthalocyanines core-modified by P and S and their complexes with fullerene C60: DFT study

Phthalocyanines (Pcs) and their derivatives have attracted a lot of attention because of their both biological importance and technological applications. The properties of Pcs can be tuned by replacing the central atom, by modifying the periphery of phthalocyanine ring, and by changing the meso-atoms. One more promising pathway for modifying Pcs and their derivatives can be the core-modification, or substitution of the core isoindole nitrogen(s) by other elements. Motivated by the results obtained for some core-modified porphyrins, we investigated computationally complete core-modification of regular Zn phthalocyanine (ZnPc) with P and S. We performed density functional theory studies of the structures, charges, and frontier molecular orbitals of P-core-modified and S-core-modified ZnPcs, ZnPc(P)4 and ZnPc(S)4, using both B3LYP and two dispersion-corrected functionals. Also, we studied computationally formation of complexes between the fullerene C60 and ZnPc(P)4 and ZnPc(S)4. Both ZnPc(P)4 and ZnPc(S)4 show strong bowl-like distortions similar to the results obtained earlier for ZnP(P)4 and ZnP(S)4. The size of the “bowl” cavity of the both core-modified Pcs is essentially the same, showing no dependence on the core-modifying element. For ZnPc(S)4, the HOMO is quite different from those of ZnPc and ZnPc(P)4. When the fullerene C60 forms complexes with the ZnPc(P)4 and ZnPc(S)4 species in the gas phase, it is located relatively far (4.30–5.72 Å) from the one of the P-centers and from the Zn-center of ZnPc(P)4, whereas with ZnPc(S)4 C60 forms relatively short bonds with the Zn-center, varying from ca. 2.0 to ca. 3.0 Å. The very strong deformations of both the ZnPc(P)4 and ZnPc(S)4 structures are observed. The calculated binding energy at the B3LYP/6-31G* level for the C60-ZnPc(P)4 complex is quite low, 1.2 kcal/mol, which agrees with the quite long distances fullerene - ZnPc(P)4, whereas it is noticeably larger, 13.6 kcal/mol, for the C60-ZnPc(S)4 complex which again agrees with the structural features of this complex. The binding energies of the complexes optimized using the dispersion-corrected functionals, CAM-B3LYP and wB97XD, are significantly larger, varying from ca. 14 till 52 kcal/mol which corresponds with the shorter distances between the fullerene and ZnPc(X)4 species.

Synthesis, Structural, Spectral, and Electrochemical Studies of Selenabenziporphyrin and Its Pd(II) Complex

A new nonaromatic selenabenziporphyrin was synthesized by (3 + 1) condensation of m-benzitripyrrane and 2,5-bis[( p-tolyl)hydroxymethyl] selenophene under mild trifluoroacetic acid-catalyzed reaction conditions. The selenabenziporphyrin was characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry, one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure revealed that the macrocycle was planar with moderately tilted m-phenylene ring and that the phenylene ring completely blocks the macrocyclic π-delocalization. The selenabenziporphyrin exhibits one broad absorption band at 645 nm along with one sharp band at 415 nm, and electrochemical studies revealed that the macrocycle was electron-deficient. The selenabenziporphyrin readily forms organometallic Pd(II) complex when treated with PdCl₂ in CH₃CN/CHCl₃ at reflux followed by recrystallization. The X-ray structure revealed that the Pd(II) ion was coordinated with two pyrrole "N"s, selenophene "Se", and m-phenylene ring "C" in square-planar fashion, and the complex retained its nonaromatic nature. The Pd(II) complex exhibits ill-defined absorption bands, and it was more electron-deficient than free-base selenabenziporphyrin macrocycle. Time-dependent density functional theory studies supported the experimental observations.

Functional Calixphyrins: Synthetic Strategies and Applications

Calixphyrins are hybrid macrocycles that contain both sp²- and sp³-hybridized carbon atoms and hence bear analogy to both porphyrins and calixpyrroles. Due to the presence of sp³-hybridized carbon atoms, π-conjugation is disrupted in calixphyrins, which leads to conformational flexibility. Hence, these molecules find a use in anion binding, host-guest chemistry and metal-coordination chemistry. During the last decade, studies on calixphyrins have been a topic of wide interest to researchers. Various functionalities have been introduced to the structure of calixphyrins, leading to the development of expanded calixphyrins, core-modified calixphyrins and N-confused calixphyrins with diverse applications. This review outlines the detailed historical origin of the synthesis of calixphyrins with emphasis on current research and development in this area. The modular syntheses of normal calixphyrins, expanded calixphyrins, core-modified calixphyrins and N-confused calixphyrins are also discussed, along with their applicative aspects.

Alphabet soup within a porphyrinoid cavity: synthesis of heterocarbaporphyrins with CNNO, CNOO, CNSO and CNSeO Cores from an oxacarbatripyrrin

The first examples of porphyrin analogues with four different core atoms have been synthesized from an oxacarbatripyrrin intermediate.

Donor–acceptor type A2B2porphyrins: synthesis, energy transfer, computational and electrochemical studies

Synthesis, photophysical, electrochemical and DFT studies of donor–acceptor type A₂B₂porphyrins and their Zn(ii) and Pd(ii) complexes have been described.

Phosphorus complexes of porphyrinoid macrocycles

Phosphorus complexes of porphyrinoids such as porphyrins, corroles, [Formula: see text]-fused porphyrins, [Formula: see text]-fused expanded porphyrins and expanded porphyrins can be prepared readily by treating the porphyrinoid with phosphorylating agents such as PX3, PX5and POX3(X [Formula: see text] Cl or Br) under standard reaction conditions. In phosphorus porphyrinoids, the phosphorus is generally high valent [Formula: see text]5 oxidation state and the coordination number is varied from four to six. The insertion of P(V) into porphyrinoids alters the structure and electronic properties of the macrocycle significantly. Specially, the phosphorus binding mode is different from one porphyrinoid to another. The oxophilicity nature of P(V) in P(V) porphyrinoids is very useful to change variety of axial ligands and also helps to synthesize multi-porphyrin arrays by axial bonding approach. This review summarizes the phosphorus complexes of five different porphyrinoids and discusses their structure and electronic properties as well as their applications in the synthesis of more elaborate P(V) porphyrinoid based architectures.

Fusing Porphyrins and Phospholes: Synthesis and Analysis of a Phosphorus-Containing Porphyrin

A phosphole-fused porphyrin dimer, as a representative of a new class of porphyrins with a phosphorus atom, was synthesized for the first time. The porphyrin dimer exhibits remarkably broadened absorption, indicating effective π-conjugation over the two porphyrins through the phosphole moiety. The porphyrin dimer possesses excellent electron-accepting character, which is comparable to that of a representative electron-accepting material, [60]PCBM. These results provide access to a new class of phosphorus-containing porphyrins with unique optoelectronic properties.

Synthesis of Ag(II) 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octabromo-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin and its facile demetalation to 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octabromo-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin

A novel one-step strategy for the synthesis of 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octabromo-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin using AgIIOBP is described. AgIIOBP was synthesized and was. Bromination of AgIITPP was carried out in a one-step reaction by varying the subsequently demetalated using H2S time interval and stoichiometric addition of Br2. The molecular weight of the halogenated porphyrin was confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The synthesis of Ag(II) 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octabromo-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin was followed by demetalation of Ag(II) ion from the halogenated porphyrin. The demetalation of was carried out under mild conditions using sodium sulphide in trifluoroacetic acid. The time taken for the demetalation was considerably lesser than previously reported and which facilitated a simple way for the isolation of the final product in good yield. The yield of the free base was 98%. The formation of the product and purity was confirmed by 1H NMR, Mass spectrometry. UV-visible spectrophotometer clearly showed the appearance of a characteristic Q-band of the octa-brominated porphyrin.

Development of Ion Chemosensors Based on Porphyrin Analogues

Sensing of metal ions and anions is of great importance because of their widespread distribution in environmental systems and biological processes. Colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensors based on organic molecular species have been demonstrated to be effective for the detection of various ions and possess the significant advantages of low cost, high sensitivity, and convenient implementation. Of the available classes of organic molecules, porphyrin analogues possess inherently many advantageous features, making them suitable for the design of ion chemosensors, with the targeted sensing behavior achieved and easily modulated based on their following characteristics: (1) NH moieties properly disposed for binding of anions through cooperative hydrogen-bonding interactions; (2) multiple pyrrolic N atoms or other heteroatoms for selectively chelating metal ions; (3) variability of macrocycle size and peripheral substitution for modulation of ion selectivity and sensitivity; and (4) tunable near-infrared emission and good biocompatibility. In this Review, design strategies, sensing mechanisms, and sensing performance of ion chemosensors based on porphyrin analogues are described by use of extensive examples. Ion chemosensors based on normal porphyrins and linear oligopyrroles are also briefly described. This Review provides valuable information for researchers of related areas and thus may inspire the development of more practical and effective approaches for designing high-performance ion chemosensors based on porphyrin analogues and other relevant compounds.

Supersizing pyrrole-modified porphyrins by reversal of the ‘breaking and mending’ strategy

A pyrrole inmeso-tetraphenylporphyrin was expanded by annulation ofN,N′-dimethylurea to a porphyrin β,β′-dione and subsequent merger of the pyrrole and urea atoms into an 8-membered ring.

Co-Deposition of Gold Nanoparticles and Metalloporphyrin Using the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) Technique for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)

The synergistic effect produced by metallic nanoparticles when incorporated into different systems empowers a research field that is growing rapidly. In addition, organometallic materials are at the center of intensive research with diverse applications such as light-emitting devices, transistors, solar cells, and sensors. The Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique has proven to be suitable to address challenges inherent to organic devices, since the film properties can be tuned at the molecular level. Here we report a strategy to incorporate gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into the LB film by co-deposition in order to achieve surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of the zinc(II)-protoporphyrin (IX) dimethyl ester (ZnPPIX-DME). Prior to the LB co-deposition, the properties of the Langmuir monolayer of ZnPPIX-DME at the air-water interface, containing AuNPs in the subphase, are studied through the surface-pressure versus mean molecular area (π-A) isotherms. The ZnPPIX-DME+AuNPs π-A isotherm presented a significant shift to higher molecular area, suggesting an interaction between both ZnPPIX-DME molecules and AuNPs. Those interactions are a key factor allowing the co-deposition of both AuNPs and ZnPPIX-DME molecules onto a solid substrate, thus forming the LB film. SERS of ZnPPIX-DME was successfully attained, ensuring the spatial distribution of the AuNPs. Higher enhancement factors were found at AuNP aggregates, as a result of the intense local electromagnetic field found in the metal nanoparticle aggregates. The main vibrational bands observed in the SERS spectra suggest a physical adsorption of the ZnPPIX-DME onto the surface of AuNPs. The latter is not only in agreement with the interactions pointed out by the π-A isotherms but also suggests that this interaction is kept upon LB film co-deposition.

Intramolecular energy transfer dynamics in differently linked zinc porphyrin–dithiaporphyrin dyads

Intramolecular energy transfer dynamics in two molecular dyads, in which zinc porphyrin and dithiaporphyrin units were linked covalently, were studied by ultrafast time-resolved transient absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques.

Effects of cyano, ethynyl and ethylenedioxy groups on the photophysical properties of carbazole-based porphyrins

The synthesis and photophysical properties of cyano and ethynyl substituted carbazole-based porphyrins were investigated.

Benziporphyrins, a unique platform for exploring the aromatic characteristics of porphyrinoid systems

Benziporphyrins and related systems exhibit a wide range of properties and may possess nonaromatic, strongly aromatic or even antiaromatic characteristics.