α- or β-Substituted functional phthalocyanines bearing thiophen-3-ylmethanol substituents: synthesis,characterization, aggregation behavior and antioxidant activity

The tetra α- or β-thiophene substituted metal and metal-free phthalocyanines (Pcs) MPc(α-OCH₂Thiopen)₄] and MPc(β-OCH₂Thiopen)₄] {(α-ThMet-MPc), (β-ThMet-MPc) ThMet: Thiophene methoxy], M = Zn(II), Co(II) and, 2H} were synthesized from the corresponding 3’-(thiophen-3-ylmethoxy)phthalonitrile or 4’-(thiophen-3-ylmethoxy)phthalonitrile (ThMePN). The structural characterization, spectral, and antioxidant properties of a series of new Pcs were also presented. Both α- and β-substituted Pc complexes increased solubility in polar solvents, such as THF, DMF, and DMSO. FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, UV–vis, MALDI-TOF/MS spectral, and elemental analysis data were used to characterize the compounds. The aggregation behaviors of 3–8 were also investigated at different concentrations in THF. Antioxidant test methods, α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, metal chelating activity, and reducing power, were used to determine the antioxidant activities. 6 showed very good ferrous ion chelating activity of 81 ± 1%. 6, 5, 4, and 3 showed better reducing power than trolox, ascorbic, acid and butylated hydroxytoluene, commercially used antioxidants.