Journal of Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines

Spectral properties of metallophthalocyanines and other tetraazaporphyrins are governed mainly by the Q band which originates from the π-π* transitions within the ring. The position and intensity of the Q band is important in tailoring new phthalocyanine derivatives for particular applications. Aggregation, the nature of the central metal, π conjugation, symmetry of the molecules, and axial, peripheral or non-peripheral substitutions affect the spectra and hence the properties of the phthalocyanine molecule. This review gives a brief outline on how optical spectroscopy provides useful informations on molecular and electronic structures, chemistry and physics of phthalocyanines and other tetraazaporphyrins.

The aim of this review is to highlight recent progress in the chemistry of corroles and core-modified corroles. Emphasis is put on the synthetic and coordination aspects of corroles with meso substituents and corrolazines.

Synergistic efforts in the developments of molecular specific imaging probes and advancements of optical imaging technologies (including the novel instrumentation and imaging algorithms) that lead to a new tool for early disease diagnosis and drug discovery are described.

This article reviews recent developments that have taken place in research related to new porphyrin architectures and their host-guest chemistry, as described in a microsymposium bearing the same name held during the 3^rd International Conference on Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines (ICPP-3). The usefulness of representative arrays, aggregates, donor-acceptor systems, and receptor motifs based on porphyrin architectures is highlighted as it applies to the fabrication of molecular devices, understanding the biomimetic electron transfer processes, and recognition of bioorganic substrates.

The main synthetic approaches for the preparation of porphyrazines are outlined. In addition, some structural and spectroscopic properties, especially the UV-vis absorption profiles emanating from their peripheral functionalization, the modification of the tetraazaporphyrin skeleton or the arrangement of macrocycles in a supramolecular manner, are discussed. Cyclotetramerization of appropriate dinitrile derivatives or modification of peripheral substituents on porphyrazines constitute the main synthetic routes. Moreover, the use of special templates, as well as different intermediates or nonpyrrolic precursors, are tools for the attainment of azaporphyrin analogues of distinct nature and unusual characteristics.

Novel chiral systems for the catalytic asymmetric oxidation and cyclopropanation of olefins based on metalloporphyrins containing iron, ruthenium and manganese, have been recently introduced. High catalyst turnover numbers and sometimes high enantiomeric excess were observed. New catalytic reactions with metalloporphyrins have recently been reported; these are the olefination of aldehydes and cyclotrimerization of terminal alkynes. Dendrimers and polymers containing metalloporphyrins, have also been found to be efficient catalysts for oxidation and carbene transfer.