Synthesis of trans-A2B2-porphyrins bearing phenylethynyl substituents

Efficient and convenient conditions for the preparation of trans-A(2)B(2)-porphyrins bearing two phenylethynyl moieties directly from phenylpropargyl aldehydes and dipyrromethanes of diversified lipophilicity and reactivity have been developed. This new procedure allows the preparation of a library of porphyrins of this architecture with a wide range of substituents. Thanks to the identification of the reagent solubility as one of the key factors influencing the yield of the porphyrinogens, we were able to improve yields to ca. 30%. The scope and limitations of two sets of conditions have been explored. The methodological advantage of this approach is its straightforward access to building blocks and the formation of the porphyrin core in the last step without the need for deprotection of the triple bond or bromination and consecutive coupling reaction, which often demands copper salts to proceed smoothly, especially with electron-deficient alkyne partners. Therefore, it prevents undesired copper porphyrin formation, as well as the need for utilizing expensive alkynes. A two-step method for the preparation of phenylpropargyl aldehydes has also been refined.