Total synthesis of hematoporphyrin and protoporphyrin; a conceptually new approach

The total synthesis of protoporphyrin IX and its disodium salt using a new alternative method to the classical MacDonald condensation is reported. The key step is the reaction of the new unsymmetrical diiodo dipyrrylmethane 1 with the known dipyrrylmethane 2. Coupling of the two fragments leads directly to porphyrin 3 without the need of an oxidizing agent. The new methodology is well suited for the synthesis of protoporphyrin IX derivatives on a multi-100 g scale in good quality without the need for chromatography. Furthermore, these preparations are completely free of any contaminant of animal origin, which represents a real improvement in the manufacturing of protoporphyrin IX derivatives.