Synthesis of meso-tetraphenyl porphyrins via condensation of dipyrromethanes with N-tosyl imines

A new synthetic route for the synthesis of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl porphyrins has been developed based on the reaction of 5-substituted dipyrromethanes with N-tosyl imines in the presence of a metal triflate catalyst. meso-Substituted tetraphenyl porphyrins were synthesized in a two-step process. The first step of the method is the metal triflate-catalyzed condensation of 5-substituted dipyrromethanes with N-tosyl imines to form a porphyrinogen intermediate and the second step is the oxidation of the porphyrinogen to porphyrin. The method was applied to the synthesis of trans-A₂B₂-tetraarylporphyrins and the products were obtained with only a trace amount of one scrambling product. The synthesis of two important building blocks for porphyrin synthesis, mono and di-sulfonamide alkylated 5-substituted dipyrromethanes, was achieved by the addition of 5-substituted dipyrromethane to N-tosyl imine. The application of mono and di-sulfonamide alkylated 5-substituted dipyrromethanes in ‘2+2’ porphyrin formation reactions is presented.     

Synthesis of meso-substituted dipyrromethanes using iodine-catalysis

This Letter presents a non-conventional synthesis of meso-substituted dipyrromethanes, using molecular iodine as the catalyst. Various aromatic dipyrromethanes were obtained in good yields after a preliminary study using nitrobenzaldehyde. The reactants and reagents were used as such, without prior distillation.     

Ring size selective synthesis of meso-aryl expanded porphyrins

meso-Aryl expanded porphyrins were prepared in a ring size selective manner from methanesulfonic acid-catalyzed reaction of dipyrromethane and tripyrromethane with aryl aldehydes.     

Simple route to meso-substituted trans-A2B2-porphyrins bearing pyridyl units

We have developed a methodology that affords regioisomerically pure trans-A₂B₂-porphyrins bearing pyridyl substituents. The optimal conditions for their synthesis were identified by the modification of known conditions for the reaction of dipyrromethanes with aromatic aldehydes. A total of five new porphyrins were synthesized.     

One-pot synthesis of meso-tris-aryl-substituted N-21-methyl- and N-21-benzyl-corroles

A simple and versatile synthesis of meso-substituted N-21-alkylcorroles was achieved directly from aldehydes, pyrrole and N-alkylpyrroles via mix-condensation. Compounds inaccessible via previous routes have been obtained in acceptable yields. It was proved that meso-substituted N-21-alkylcorroles differ from N-unsubstituted corroles in absorption spectra, stability and solubility.     

A novel method for the synthesis of dipyrromethanes by metal triflate catalysis

5-Substituted dipyrromethanes were synthesized by the reaction of N-tosyl imines with excess pyrrole in the presence of metal triflates. Tripyrromethane and other oligomeric side products were not observed. High yields of 5-substituted dipyrromethanes were obtained for electron donating and withdrawing substituents by performing the reaction at two different temperatures. The new reaction procedure is simple and anhydrous conditions are not required.     

Phosphorus Pentachloride (PCl5) Mediated Synthesis of Tetraarylporphyrins

A new synthesis of porphyrins from pyrrole and substituted benzaldehydes is described, with PCl₅ as catalyst. Aromatic aldehydes condense irreversibly with pyrrole in the presence of this catalyst, and aerobic oxidation of porphyrinogen provides functionalized porphyrins in yields of 20–65%.     

Dipyrromethane as a new organic reagent for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles: preparation and application

Condensation reaction of several ketones with pyrrole in the presence of ferric hydrogen sulfate as a green homogenous acidic catalyst furnished the corresponding pure dipyrromethanes in good yields. Gold nanoparticles were produced through reduction of HAuCl₄ with substituted dipyrromethanes as new reducing agents at room temperature with the exclusion of any capping agent or surfactant. Gold nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, XRD and UV–visible absorption spectroscopic measurements. It is proposed that in situ formed oxidative products of dipyrromethane, such as polydipyrromethane could serve effectively as a capping agent to preferably adsorb the {111} facets of gold crystals during the reduction process, which leads to the formation of gold nanoparticles.     

An ultrasonic wave-assisted synthesis of meso-amidinophenyl substituted porphyrins

With the aid of an ultrasonic irradiation, meso-amidinophenyl substituted porphyrins were prepared by the reaction of lithium amide and meso-cyanophenyl porphyrins. This approach can give the derivatized porphyrins in very high yields and very short reaction times as compared to the conventional thermal method.     

The meso-β-linkage as structural motif in porphyrin-based donor-acceptor compounds

Synthetic strategies for using the meso-β-linkage as a structural motif in electron transfer mimics have been tested. Exploratory syntheses of directly meso-β-linked bis- and trisporphyrins and the first representative X-ray structure of a meso-β-linked bisporphyrins are reported. The structure reveals a unique form of intramolecular π-π stabilization between one porphyrin and a meso-aryl substituent in a second porphyrin unit that accounts for the stability of different atropisomers in trimers. Using β-formyl porphyrins, dipyrromethanes, and suitable quinone precursor aldehydes, mixed condensations gave convenient access to porphyrin-porphyrin-quinone (P-P-Q) donor-acceptor systems consisting of a meso-β-linked bisporphyrin, a spacer, and a quinone acceptor.     

Rational syntheses of porphyrins bearing up to four different meso substituents

Porphyrins bearing specific patterns of substituents are crucial building blocks in biomimetic and materials chemistry. We have developed methodology that avoids statistical reactions, employs minimal chromatography, and affords up to gram quantities of regioisomerically pure porphyrins bearing predesignated patterns of up to four different meso substituents. The methodology is based upon the availability of multigram quantities of dipyrromethanes. A procedure for the diacylation of dipyrromethanes using EtMgBr and an acid chloride has been refined. A new procedure for the preparation of unsymmetrical diacyl dipyrromethanes has been developed that involves (1) monoacylation with EtMgBr and a pyridyl benzothioate followed by (2) introduction of the second acyl unit upon reaction with EtMgBr and an acid chloride. The scope of these acylation methods has been examined by preparing multigram quantities of diacyl dipyrromethanes bearing a variety of substituents. Reduction of the diacyl dipyrromethane to the corresponding dipyrromethane-dicarbinol is achieved with NaBH(4) in methanolic THF. Porphyrin formation involves the acid-catalyzed condensation of a dipyrromethane-dicarbinol and a dipyrromethane followed by oxidation with DDQ. Optimal conditions for the condensation were identified after examining various reaction parameters (solvent, temperature, acid, concentration, time). The conditions identified (2.5 mM reactants in acetonitrile containing 30 mM TFA at room temperature for <7 min) provided reaction without detectable scrambling (LD-MS) for aryl-substituted dipyrromethanes, and trace scrambling for alkyl-substituted dipyrromethanes. The desired porphyrins were obtained in 14-40% yield. The synthesis is compatible with diverse functionalities: amide, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, ester, nitrile, ether, bromo, iodo, ethyne, TMS-ethyne, TIPS-ethyne, perfluoroarene. In total 30 porphyrins of the types A(3)B, trans-A(2)B(2), trans-AB(2)C, cis-A(2)B(2), cis-A(2)BC, and ABCD were prepared, including >1-g quantities of three porphyrins.     

La(OTf)3-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of meso-substituted porphyrinic thiazolidinones

Abstract  

An improved synthetic procedure is developed for the regioselective nitration of a phenyl group of meso-tetraphenylporphyrin by using NaNO₂ in a mixture of trichloroacetic acid and AcOH. The meso-(4-nitrophenyl)porphyrins are successfully reduced to corresponding meso-(4-aminophenyl)porphyrins by SnCl₂ under acidic conditions. In addition, an efficient one-pot methodology for synthesizing a series of novel meso-substituted porphyrinic thiazolidinone conjugates is developed by reacting meso-(4-aminophenyl)porphyrins with various aromatic aldehydes and mercaptoacetic acid in refluxing toluene using La(OTf)₃ as a catalyst. The products obtained are characterized on the basis of their spectral data. Preliminary photophysical properties of the newly synthesized compounds are reported.     

Efficient synthesis of meso-substituted corroles in a H2O-MeOH mixture

New and efficient conditions for the synthesis of meso-substituted corroles were developed. The first step, involving the reaction of aldehydes with pyrrole, was carried out in a water-methanol mixture in the presence of HCl. A relatively narrow distribution of aldehyde-pyrrole oligocondensates was obtained through careful control of their solubility in the reaction medium. After thorough optimization of various reaction parameters (cosolvent, reagent, and acid concentration), high yields of bilanes were obtained. Additionally, the bilane derived from 4-cyanobenzaldehyde was isolated, and the oxidative macrocyclization reaction was performed under various reaction conditions (different solvents, different concentrations, and various oxidants). As a result, triphenylcorrole was obtained in the highest yield (32%) reported to date. The scope and limitations studied showed that this method was particularly efficient for moderately reactive aldehydes and those bearing electron-donating groups (yields 14-27%). Using these conditions, corroles bearing strongly electron-donating groups were obtained for the first time. In addition, it was found that the reaction of unhindered dipyrromethanes with aldehydes under analogous conditions afforded trans-A2B-corroles in very high yields (45-56%; 8-fold higher than previously reported) without scrambling. The fact that scrambling was not observed in this reaction despite a very high HCl concentration (0.3 M) is unprecedented. Detailed studies on the oxidation of bilane, derived from sterically hindered dipyrromethane, allowed us to unequivocally establish that the yield of macrocyclization is insensitive to the concentration. It was found the 1H NMR spectra of corroles in deuterated TFA gave very sharp signals.     

An Efficient Synthesis of Porphyrins with Different meso Substituents that Avoids Scrambling in Aqueous Media

We have developed new conditions that afford regioisomerically pure trans‐A₂B₂‐, A₃B‐, and trans‐AB₂C‐porphyrins bearing aryl and arylethynyl substituents. The porphyrins were prepared by the acid‐catalyzed condensation of dipyrromethanes with aldehydes followed by oxidation with p‐chloranil or 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ). Optimal conditions for the condensation were identified after examining various reaction parameters such as solvent composition, acid concentration, and reaction time. The conditions identified (for aromatic aldehydes: EtOH/H₂O 4:1, [DPM]=4 mM , [aldehyde]=4 mM , [HCl]=38 mM , 16 h; for arylethynyl aldehydes: THF/H₂O 2:1, [DPM]=13 mM , [aldehyde]=13 mM , [HCl]=150 mM , 3 h) resulted in the formation of porphyrins in yields of 9–38 % without detectable scrambling. This synthesis is compatible with diverse functionalities such as ester or nitrile. In total, 20 new trans‐A₂B₂‐, A₃B‐, and trans‐AB₂C‐porphyrins were prepared. The scope and limitations of the two sets of reaction 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 higher yields than by any other methodology and by using environmentally benign and nonhazardous chemicals.     

Synthesis of meso‐Pyrrole‐Substituted 22‐Oxacorroles by a “3+2” Approach

Unsymmetrical 22‐oxacorrole containing two aryl groups and one pyrrole group at the meso position was synthesized by condensing one equivalent of 16‐oxatripyrrane with one equivalent of meso aryl dipyromethane under mild acid‐catalyzed conditions followed by oxidation with 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ). This [3+2] condensation approach was expected to yield meso‐free 25‐oxasmaragdyrin but unexpectedly afforded unsymmetrical meso‐pyrrole‐substituted 22‐oxacorrole. We demonstrated the versatility of the reaction by synthesizing four new meso‐pyrrole‐substituted 22‐oxacorroles. The reactivity of α‐position of meso‐pyrrole was tested by carrying out various functionalization reactions such as bromination, formylation, and nitration and obtained the functionalized meso‐pyrrole‐substituted 22‐oxacorroles in decent yields. The X‐ray structure obtained for one of the functionalized meso‐pyrrole substituted 22‐oxacorrole revealed that the macrocycle was nearly planar and the meso‐pyrrole was in the perpendicular orientation with respect to the macrocyclic plane. The meso‐pyrrole‐substituted 22‐oxacorroles absorb strongly in 400–700 nm region with one strong Soret band and four weak Q bands. The 22‐oxacorroles are strongly fluorescent and showed emission maxima at ≈650 nm with decent quantum yields and singlet‐state lifetimes. The 22‐oxacorroles are redox‐active and exhibited three irreversible oxidations and one or two reversible reduction(s). A preliminary biological study indicated that meso‐pyrrole corroles are biocompatible.     

Unexpected formation of β, meso-directly linked diporphyrins under Adler–Longo reaction conditions

Unexpected formation of β, meso-directly linked diporphyrin products has been described in the reactions of β-formyl porphyrins with pyrrole under Adler–Longo reaction conditions. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicates that β-dipyrromethane substituted porphyrin structure is the crucial intermediate for the formation of diporphyrin product.     

A convenient preparation of thioether functionalized porphyrins

This paper describes a convenient and high yielding three-step approach for the synthesis of trans-tetraphenylporphyrins possessing two thioethers in the ortho positions, which will facilitate the synthesis of more elaborate and complex porphyrin architectures. Their synthesis is realized by a double nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 2 equiv of a thiolate on 2,6-dichlorobenzaldehyde to generate a bis-thioether substituted benzaldehyde. This aldehyde is then condensed with 2 equiv of pyrrole to give a dipyrromethane, which in the final step reacts with an aromatic aldehyde to give a series of thioether-substituted trans-tetraphenylporphyrins.     

A new and efficient multicomponent solid-phase synthesis of 2-acylaminomethylthiazoles

A new multicomponent reaction (MCR) for the preparation of 2-substituted thiazole libraries using Rink amide resin is described. Thiazoles are assembled in a one-pot MCR of a thiocarboxylic acid, aldehyde, 3-(N,N-dimethylamino)-2-isocyanoacrylate with a resin-bound primary amine. Aliphatic and aromatic thiocarboxylic acids as well as aliphatic and (hetero-) aromatic aldehydes work in the reaction. Cleavage of the product yields the substituted thiazoles in reasonable to good purity.     

meso-Dithiole and tetrathiafulvalene dipyrromethanes a route to metal dithiole-dipyrrin complexes and to fluorescent tetrathiafulvalene-BODIPY

A series of meso-dithiole and tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) dipyrromethanes have been prepared via the reaction of the appropriate aldehyde with either pyrrole or 3-ethyl-2,4-dimethyl-pyrrole under acid catalysis. Oxidation to the corresponding meso-dithiole dipyrrins is reported together with the formation of the metal chelate complexes (M=Zn, Cu, Ni) as well as the meso-dithiole boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY). The molecular structures of these metal (Cu, Ni) and boron complexes are presented and discussed. According to a similar strategy the meso-TTF BODIPY is prepared and its photophysical properties are presented and compared with those of the meso-dithiole BODIPY.     

Synthesis of tetra-substituted pyrroles, a potential phosphodiesterase 4B inhibitor, through nickel(II) chloride hexahydrate catalyzed one-pot four-component reaction

A wide variety of tetra-substituted pyrrole derivatives were synthesized through one-pot four-component condensation reaction of aromatic aldehydes, benzylamines, β-ketoesters, and nitroalkanes in the presence of 10 mol % NiCl₂·6H₂O in good yields. Some of them exhibit properties as potential inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B) through docking studies.