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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

The Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a Series of Ruthenium N-triphosPh Complexes
Published on: April 10, 2015
Porphyrin complexes of the period 6 main group and late transition metals
Christopher M Lemon1, Penelope J Brothers, Bernard Boitrel
1Department of Chemistry, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92109, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
Abstract:
Metalloporphyrin complexes of the period six metals gold, mercury, thallium, lead and bismuth are often overlooked in favour of their lighter congeners. These complexes exhibit unusual coordination geometries, prominently featuring the metal centre residing out the porphyrin plane. Not only are these compounds chemically interesting, but several applications for these complexes are beginning to emerge. Gold and bismuth porphyrins have medicinal applications including novel chemotherapeutics and sensitizers for α-radiotherapy, while gold porphyrins have applications in materials chemistry and catalysis. This perspective serves to highlight trends in the synthesis and structure of these heavy metal complexes as well as illustrate the considerations necessary for rationally designing elaborate porphyrin architectures.
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