A Tetrapyrrole Macrocycle Displaying a Multielectron Redox Chemistry and Tunable Absorbance Profile

Porphyrins are attractive chromophores for incorporation into light harvesting devices. Some of the most efficient porphyrin derivatives in this regard are synthetically complex platforms with specially tailored electronic properties. This work details the unique geometric and electronic structure of the phlorin framework. X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy demonstrate that unlike typical tetrapyrrole macrocycles, the phlorin is not aromatic. These unusual electronics are manifest in distinct photophysical and redox properties, as the phlorin displays a rich multielectron redox chemistry. The phlorin also displays an intriguing supramolecular chemistry and can reversibly bind up to two equivalents of fluoride in cooperative fashion. Accordingly, this synthetically accessible sensitizer displays a rich multielectron redox chemistry, excellent spectral coverage and an intriguing anion binding chemistry that distinguishes this system from more commonly studied porphyrinoids.