Synthesis of water-soluble phthalocyanines bearing four or eight D-galactose units

The synthesis and structural characterization of two glycophthalocyanines with four or eight unprotected D-galactose units is reported. The sugar units are linked to the macrocycle via the hydroxyl group located at C-6. The water solubility promoted by the carbohydrate moieties provides a potential application of these phthalocyanine derivatives as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy.