Inexpensive and efficient Ullmann methodology to prepare donor-substituted porphyrins

The preparation of porphyrins functionalized with one or two carbazoles (or phenoxazines) is described. The electron donors were introduced into one or two porphyrin meso positions by using the inexpensive Ullmann coupling procedure. Very good yields were obtained, and for two new compounds, the X-ray structures were solved. Preliminary electrochemical data coupled with electronic spectroscopy are also reported.