Naphthodithiophene-Fused Porphyrins: Synthesis, Characterization, and Impact of Extended Conjugation on Aromaticity

The fusion of tetrapyrroles with aromatic heterocycles constitutes a useful tool for manipulating their opto-electronic properties. In this work, the synthesis of naphthodithiophene-fused porphyrins was achieved through a Heck reaction-based cascade of steps followed by the Scholl reaction. The naphthodithiophene-fused porphyrins display a unique set of optical and electronic properties. Fusion of the naphtho[2,1-b:3,4-b']dithiophene to porphyrin (F2VTP) leads to a ~20% increase in the fluorescence lifetime, which is accompanied, unexpectedly, by a more than two-fold drop in the emission quantum yield (ϕ=0.018). In contrast, fusion of the isomeric naphtho[1,2-b:4,3-b']dithiophene to porphyrin (F3VPT) results in a ~1.5-fold increase in the fluorescence quantum yield (ϕ=0.13) with a concomitant ~30 % increase in the fluorescence lifetime. This behavior suggests that fusion of the porphyrin with the naphthodithiopheno-system mainly affects the radiative rate constant in the Q-state deactivation pathway, where the effects of the isomeric naphtho[2,1-b:3,4-b']dithiophene- versus naphtho[1,2-b:4,3-b']dithiophene-fusion are essentially the opposite. Interestingly, nucleus-independent chemical shifts analysis revealed a considerable difference between the aromaticities of these two isomeric systems. Our results demonstrate that subtle structural differences in the fused components of the porphyrin can be reflected in rather significant differences between the photophysical properties of the resulting systems.

Main Strategies for the Synthesis of meso-Arylporphyrins

meso-Arylporphyrins as most accessible tetrapyrrole macroheterocycles have always been the focus of attention from researchers concerned with practically useful properties of these compounds. The first syn­theses of meso-arylporphyrins date back to about 90 years ago. Up to now, the yields of these compounds have been improved from 5 to 80%. The present review analyzes different ways and strategies for the synthesis of meso-aryl-substituted porphyrins. The most efficient methods that can be scaled up to an industrial level have been identified.

syn-Diarylphthalimidoporphyrins: Effects of Symmetry Breaking on Two-Photon Absorption and Linear Photophysical Properties

Aromatically π-extended porphyrins possess exceptionally intense one-photon (1P) and sometimes two-photon (2P) absorption bands, presenting interest for construction of optical imaging probes and photodynamic agents. Here we investigated how breaking the molecular symmetry affects linear and 2PA properties of π-extended porphyrins. First, we developed the synthesis of porphyrins fused with two phthalimide fragments, termed syn-diarylphthalimidoporphyrins (DAPIP). Second, the photophysical properties of H₂, Zn, Pd, and Pt DAPIP were measured and compared to those of fully symmetric tetraarylphthalimidoporphyrins (TAPIP). The data were interpreted using DFT/TDDFT calculations and sum-over-states (SOS) formalism. Overall, the picture of 2PA in DAPIP was found to resemble that in centrosymmetric porphyrins, indicating that symmetry breaking, even as significant as by syn-phthalimido-fusion, induces a relatively small perturbation to the porphyrin electronic structure. Collectively, the compact size, versatile synthesis, high 1PA and 2PA cross sections, and bright luminescence make DAPIP valuable chromophores for construction of imaging probes and other bioapplications.

A Synthetic Approach to β-Functionalized Naphtho[2,3]porphyrins

A concise synthetic method has been developed to access functionalized naphtho[2,3]porphyrins through combining two sequence reactions involving a Heck-electrocyclization-aromatization sequence and a Wittig-Knovenegal sequence. Using this method, mononaphtho[2,3]porphyrin (NP-1), opp-dinaphtho[2,3]porphyrin (NP-2), and push-pull naphtho[2,3]porphyrin (NP-3) have been prepared. These naphtho[2,3]porphyrins displayed interesting optical and electrochemical properties. Excellent efficiencies of singlet oxygen generation were obtained for these naphtho[2,3]porphyrins.

Investigations of Low-Symmetrical Tetraaryltetrabenzoporphyrins Produced by Mixed Condensation Reactions

Within the past decade, tetraaryltetrabenzoporphyrins (TATBPs) have gained rising attention due to their potential in various fields of materials science and medicinal chemistry. However, this class of compounds still lacks in structural diversity, especially in the case of low-symmetrical compounds. Herein, mixed condensations were utilized to generate TATBPs with different substituents either in the meso-positions or the periphery of the macrocycle with total yields of 55-58%. The separation of crude mixtures was achieved by feasible chromatographic purification. The influence of symmetry on the electronic properties of TATBPs was studied by optical spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and X-ray diffraction.

A Comprehensive Study on Tetraaryltetrabenzoporphyrins

Tetraaryltetrabenzoporphyrins (TATBPs) show, due to their optoelectronic properties, rising potential as dyes in various fields of physical and biomedical sciences. However, unlike in the case of porphyrins, the potential structural diversity of TATBPs has been explored only to little extent, owed mainly to synthetic hurdles. Herein, we prepared a comprehensive library of 30 TATBPs and investigated their fundamental properties. We elucidated structural properties by X-ray crystallography and found explanations for physical properties such as solubility. Fundamental electronic aspects were studied by optical spectroscopy as well as by electrochemistry and brought in context to the stability of the molecules. Finally, we were able to develop a universal synthetic protocol, utilizing a readily established isoindole synthon, which gives TATBPs in high yields, regardless of the nature of the used arylaldehyde and without meticulous chromatographic purifications steps. This work serves as point of orientation for scientists, that aim to utilize these molecules in materials, nanotechnological, and biomedical applications.

A2 and A2B2 Benzoporphyrins as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells

The first example of A2B2 tetrabenzoporphyrin (KW-4) was synthesized, characterized and evaluated as a sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells. UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed red-shifted and broadened absorption spectra of A2B2 tetrabenzoporphyrin as compared with its A2 dibenzo- and A2B2 dibenzoporphyrin analogues, which is a desired feature of dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells. DFT calculations also indicate favorable electron density distribution on the HOMO and LUMO of KW-4. However, the power conversion efficiency of the solar cell based on tetrabenzoporphyrin KW-4 displayed inferior performance than that of the solar cell based on A2 dibenzoporphyrin KW-2. The lower performance of the KW-4 cell was ascribed to two factors: the low lying LUMO energy level leading to less efficient electron injection and the “flat geometry” of the dye on TiO2surface facilitating charge recombination and decreasing dye loading. The investigation of anchoring group effect suggests that the acrylic acid group is a better anchoring group than pentadienyl carboxylic acid.

Theranostic biocomposite scaffold membrane

Acute and chronic wounds affect millions and are associated with billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The use of healing markers, biochemical cues from biocompatible matrices and materials, and their correlation with wound healing has the potential to generate valuable diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic information. In this study, we developed a collagen-dextran oxygen-sensing biocomposite scaffold membrane in which a phosphorescent oxygen sensor was incorporated to monitor physiological oxygen using in vivo phosphorescence imaging in a preclinical mouse model of wound healing. The oxygen-sensing biocomposite scaffold membrane enabled the noninvasive and longitudinal monitoring of oxygenation changes in vivo in an approach compatible with commercially available preclinical in vivo imaging system instruments. This study provides a new and novel capability where a biocomposite material can serve as a biocompatible, biodegradable theranostic platform to promote and assess tissue oxygenation during wound healing.

Recent advances in the synthesis of [a]-benzo-fused BODIPY fluorophores

This feature article summarizes the different strategies for the synthesis of [a]-benzo-fused BODIPYs that have been reported in the literature until 2018. These π-extended BODIPYs are promising fluorophores for bio-imaging and organic photovoltaic applications due to both their attractive photophysical properties in the near-infrared area and their higher (photo)chemical stability compared to conventional bis-styryl derivatives. The four main strategies described in this review can be used to access either directly the expected [a]-benzo-fused BODIPYs or through the di-/tetra-hydroisoindole.

What’s in a name? The MacDonald condensation

In 1960, MacDonald and coworkers introduced a new method for porphyrin synthesis that involved the acid-catalyzed condensation of dipyrrylmethane dialdehydes with [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text]-diunsubstituted dipyrrylmethanes or the related dicarboxylic acids, followed by an air oxidation. The key bond forming steps entail electrophilic substitution at two pyrrole units with the aldehyde moieties to generate, following elimination of water, a 5,15-dihydroporphyrin or porphodimethene intermediate. Following addition of sodium acetate, or in later procedures zinc acetate, the dihydroporphyrins readily air oxidize to the fully aromatic porphyrin system. This strategy, which parallels chemistry contemporaneously developed by R. B. Woodward at Harvard for the total synthesis of chlorophyll [Formula: see text], demonstrated that dipyrrylmethanes were sufficiently stable to be utilized as intermediates in porphyrin syntheses and that porphodimethene formation circumvented acidolytic scrambling reactions that might lead to isomeric porphyrin products. This type of chemistry was later adapted by Johnson, Woodward and others to prepare porphyrin-type systems by a “3 + 1” strategy, or expanded porphyrins by “3 + 2” or other combinations of oligopyrrolic precursors. In recent years, the term “MacDonald condensation” has been increasingly used to describe other types of chemistry involving oligopyrrolic intermediates. Following on from a historical review of this area, guidelines for the identification of MacDonald-type reactions are proposed.

Divergent Reactivity of Thioalkynes in Lewis Acid Catalyzed Annulations with Donor-Acceptor Cyclopropanes

Efficient methods for the convergent synthesis of (poly)cyclic scaffolds are urgently needed in synthetic and medicinal chemistry. Herein, we describe new annulation reactions of thioalkynes with phthalimide-substituted donor-acceptor cyclopropanes, which gave access to highly substituted cyclopentenes and polycyclic ring systems. With silyl-thioalkynes, the Lewis acid catalyzed [3+2] annulation reaction with donor-acceptor cyclopropanes took place to afford 1-thio-cyclopenten-3-amines. On the other hand, an unprecedented polycyclic compound was formed with alkyl-thioalkynes through a reaction pathway directly involving the phthalimide group. The two transformations proceeded in good yields and tolerated a large variety of functional groups.

Electron-Transfer Kinetics within Supramolecular Assemblies of Donor Tetrapyrrolytic Dyes and an Acceptor Palladium Cluster

9,18,27,36-Tetrakis[meso-(4-carboxyphenyl)]tetrabenzoporphyrinatozinc(II) (TCPBP, as a sodium salt) was prepared in order to compare its photoinduced electron-transfer behavior toward unsaturated cluster Pd3(dppm)3(CO)(2+) ([Pd3(2+)]; dppm = Ph2PCH2PPh2 as a PF6(-) salt) with that of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[meso-(4-carboxyphenyl)]porphyrinatozinc(II) (TCPP) in nonluminescent assemblies of the type dye···[Pd3(2+)]x (x = 0-4; dye = TCPP and TCPBP) using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Binding constants extracted from UV-vis titration methods are the same as those extracted from fluorescence quenching measurements (static model), and both indicate that the TCPBP···[Pd3(2+)]x assemblies (K14 = 36000 M(-1)) are slightly more stable than those for TCPP···[Pd3(2+)]x (K14 = 27000 M(-1)). Density functional theory computations (B3LYP) corroborate this finding because the average ionic Pd···O distance is shorter in the TCPBP···[Pd3(2+)] assembly compared to that for TCPP···[Pd3(2+)]. Despite the difference in the binding constants and excited-state driving forces for the photoinduced electron transfer in dye*···[Pd3(2+)] → dye(•+)···[Pd3(•+)], the time scale for this process is ultrafast in both cases (<85 fs). The time scales for the back electron transfers (dye(•+)···[Pd3(•+)] → dye···[Pd3(2+)]) occurring in the various observed species (dye···[Pd3(2+)]x; x = 0-4) are the same for both series of assemblies. It is concluded that the structural modification on going from porphyrin to tetrabenzoporphyrin does not greatly affect the kinetic behavior in these processes.

Bright, "Clickable" Porphyrins for the Visualization of Oxygenation under Ambient Light

A new group of "clickable" and brightly emissive metalloporphyrins has been developed for the visualization of oxygenation under ambient light with the naked eye. These alkynyl-terminated compounds permit the rapid and facile synthesis of oxygen-sensing dendrimers through azide-alkyne click chemistry. With absorption maxima overlapping with the wavelengths of common commercial laser sources, they are readily applicable to biomedical imaging of tissue oxygenation. An efficient synthetic methodology, featuring the stable trimethylacetyl (pivaloyl) protecting group, is described for their preparation. A paint-on liquid bandage containing a new, click-synthesized porphyrin dendrimer has been used to map oxygenation across an ex vivo porcine skin burn model.

meso-Tetraphenylporphyrin with a pi-system extended by fusion with anthraquinone

Fusion of a porphyrin with anthraquinone through the synthesis of a suitably substituted pyrrole that can be cyclotetramerized and the optical properties of the resulting molecular system are described.

Harmonization of upconverting nanocrystals and photosensitizer for antimicrobial application

Effective anti-P. acnesusing near infrared light is made possible by perfecting the matching between absorption wavelengths of the loaded photosensitizer and emission wavelengths of the upconverting nanoparticles with high UVA/visible emissions.

Synthesis of phosphorescent asymmetrically π-extended porphyrins for two-photon applications

Significant effort has been directed in recent years toward porphyrins with enhanced two-photon absorption (2PA). However, the properties of their triplet states, which are central to many applications, have rarely been examined in parallel. Here we report the synthesis of asymmetrically π-extended platinum(II) and palladium(II) porphyrins, whose 2PA into single-photon-absorbing states is enhanced as a result of the broken center-of-inversion symmetry and whose triplet states can be monitored by room-temperature phosphorescence. 5,15-Diaryl-syn-dibenzoporphyrins (DBPs) and syn-dinaphthoporphyrins (DNPs) were synthesized by [2 + 2] condensation of the corresponding dipyrromethanes and subsequent oxidative aromatization. Butoxycarbonyl groups on the meso-aryl rings render these porphyrins well-soluble in a range of organic solvents, while 5,15-meso-aryl substitution causes minimal nonplanar distortion of the macrocycle, ensuring high triplet emissivity. A syn-DBP bearing four alkoxycarbonyl groups in the benzo rings and possessing a large static dipole moment was also synthesized. Photophysical properties (2PA brightness and phosphorescence quantum yields and lifetimes) of the new porphyrins were measured, and their ground-state structures were determined by DFT calculations and/or X-ray analysis. The developed synthetic methods should facilitate the construction of π-extended porphyrins for applications requiring high two-photon triplet action cross sections.

meso-Tetraphenylbenzoporphyrin-2(2),2(3)-dicarboxylic anhydride: a platform to benzoporphyrin derivatives

A method to synthesize meso-tetraphenylbenzoporphyrin-2(2),2(3)-dicarboxylic anhydride is reported. This compound reacts with alkylamines and arylamines to afford the corresponding "phthalimides" in moderate to excellent yields. The reaction of the title compound with benzene-1,4-diamine or with benzene-1,3-diamine yields the corresponding N,N'-(phenylene)bisphthalimides, whereas with benzene-1,2-diamine or naphthalene-1,8-diamine it affords heterocyclic-fused porphyrins. Molecular mechanics simulations elucidates the multiplicity of signals observed in the NMR spectra of the N,N'-(1,4-phenylene)bisphthalimide 11. This molecule exhibits two preferential conformations corresponding to a coplanar and an almost perpendicular arrangement of the benzoporphyrin units relative to the central benzenic ring.

The dihydroisoindole approach to linearly annelated π-extended porphyrins

The dihydroisoindole strategy for the synthesis of linearly annelated π-extended porphyrins is a common approach to tetrabenzo-, tetranaphtho-, and tetraanthraporphyrins with variable functionality and substitution patterns. This method implies the use of a common type of precursors involving the 4,7-dihydroisoindole moiety, which are the closest possible stable relatives of the unstable isoindole, benzoisoindole and naphthoisoindole. A key feature of this strategy is the unprecedented mildness of the final oxidative aromatization step, which accounts for synthetic versatility, better functional group tolerance and high purity of the products. Many new linearly annelated π-extended porphyrins of the tetrabenzo-, tetranaphtho-, and tetraanthraporphyrin families were produced and characterized for the first time, including soluble planar and highly emissive 5,15-diaryl derivatives. The double bond of the dihydroisoindole fragment can also be useful for further modification of the porphyrin by means of addition of cycloaddition reactions, leading to new, previously inaccessible porphyins bearing multiple halide, hydroxy, or acetoxy groups at the periphery.

Novel β-substituted calix[4]pyrroles

Calix[4]pyrroles have attracted considerable attention within the macrocyclic, supramolecular, and porphyrin analog communities due to their ability to act as simple-to-synthesize receptors for common anions, such as chloride and fluoride. Reported here is what we believe is a new, potentially generalizable route to fully β-alkyl substituted calixpyrroles. These products are accessible from the starting pyrrolic esters, and are obtained via simple reaction with CH 3 Li , followed by subsequent quenching with HCl in ether. A representative system has been characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The present route allows access to calix[4]pyrroles bearing functionality, such as double bonds, off the so-called C-rim; such systems are of interest because they could allow for further synthetic elaborations and permit incorporation of calix[4]pyrroles into more complex structures.

Pi-extended dipyrrins capable of highly fluorogenic complexation with metal ions

The synthesis and properties of a new family of pi-extended dipyrrins capable of forming brightly fluorescent complexes with metal ions are reported. The metal complexes possess tunable spectral bands and exhibit different emission properties depending on the mode of metal coordination.

Effects of structural deformations on optical properties of tetrabenzoporphyrins: free-bases and Pd complexes

A recently developed method of synthesis of pi-extended porphyrins made it possible to prepare a series of tetrabenzoporphyrins (TBP) with different numbers of meso-aryl substituents. The photophysical parameters of free-bases and Pd complexes of meso-unsubstituted TBP's, 5,15-diaryl-TBP's (Ar2TBP's) and 5,10,15,20-tetraaryl-TBP's (Ar4TBP's) were measured. For comparison, similarly meso-arylsubstituted porphyrins fused with nonaromatic cyclohexeno-rings, i.e. Ar(n)-tetracyclohexenoporphyrins (Ar(n)TCHP's, n = 0, 2, 4), were also synthesized and studied. Structural information was obtained by ab initio (DFT) calculations and X-ray crystallography. It was found that: 1) Free-base Ar4TBP's are strongly distorted out-of-plane (saddled), possess broadened, red-shifted spectra, short excited-state lifetimes and low fluorescence quantum yields (tau(fl) = 2-3 ns, phi(fl) = 0.02-0.03). These features are characteristic of other nonplanar free-base porphyrins, including Ar4TCHP's. 2) Ar2TBP free-bases possess completely planar geometries, although with significant in-plane deformations. These deformations have practically no effect on the singlet excited-state properties of Ar2TBP's as compared to planar meso-unsubstituted TBP's. Both types of porphyrins retain strong fluorescence (tau(fl) = 10-12 ns, phi(fl) = 0.3-0.4), and their radiative rate constants (k(r)) are 3-4 times higher than those of planar H2TCHP's. 3) Nonplanar deformations dramatically enhance nonradiative decay of triplet states of regular Pd porphyrins. For example, planar PdTCHP phosphoresces with high quantum yield (phi(phos) = 0.45, tau(phos) = 1118 micros), while saddled PdPh4TCHP is practically nonemissive. In contrast, both ruffled and saddled PdAr(n)TBP's retain strong phosphorescence at ambient temperatures (PdPh2TBP: tau(phos) = 496 micros, phi(phos) = 0.15; PdPh4TBP: tau(phos) = 258 micros, phi(phos) = 0.08). It appears that pi-extension is capable of counterbalancing deleterious effects of nonplanar deformations on triplet emissivity of Pd porphyrins.

Synthesis of 5,15-diaryltetrabenzoporphyrins

A general method of synthesis of 5,15-diaryltetrabenzoporphyrins (Ar 2TBPs) has been developed, based on 2 + 2 condensation of dipyrromethanes followed by oxidative aromatization. Two pathways to Ar 2TBPs were investigated: the tetrahydroisoindole pathway and the dihydroisoindole pathway. In the tetrahydroisoindole pathway, precursor 5,15-diaryltetracyclohexenoporphyrins (5,15-Ar 2TCHPs) were assembled from cyclohexeno-fused meso-unsubstituted dipyrromethanes and aromatic aldehydes or, alternatively, by way of the classical MacDonald synthesis. In the first case, scrambling was observed. Aromatization by tetracyclone was more effective than aromatization by DDQ but failed in the cases of porphyrins with electron-withdrawing substituents in the meso-aryl rings. The dihydroisoindole pathway was found to be much superior to the tetrahydroisoindole pathway, and it was developed into a general preparative method, consisting of (1) the synthesis of 4,7-dihydroisoindole and its transformation into meso-unsubstituted dipyrromethanes, (2) the synthesis of 5,15-diaryloctahydrotetrabenzoporphyrins (5,15-Ar 2OHTBPs), and (3) their subsequent aromatization by DDQ. Ar 2TBP free bases exhibit optical absorption spectra similar to those of meso-unsubstituted tetrabenzoporphyrins and fluoresce with high quantum yields. Pd complex of Ph 2TBP was found to be highly phosphorescent at room temperature.