A trans-AB-bacteriochlorin building block

Synthetic bacteriochlorins are of interest for fundamental studies in photochemistry because of their strong absorption in the near-infrared spectral region and close similarity with natural bacteriochlorophylls. A de novo route to 5-methoxybacteriochlorins entails self-condensation of a dihydrodipyrrin-acetal, which in turn is prepared from a 2-(2-nitroethyl)pyrrole species and an α,β-unsaturated ketone-acetal (e.g., 1,1-dimethoxy-4-methylpent-3-en-2-one). Here, four new results are reported concerning the synthesis of substituted bacteriochlorins. First, a new, scalable route to 1,1-dimethoxy-4-methylpent-3-en-2-one removes a significant previous impediment to the overall route. Second, the new route was employed to gain access to new α,β-unsaturated ketones and corresponding dihydrodipyrrins bearing alternative substituents in place of the dimethoxy unit. Third, a dihydrodipyrrin bearing a 1,3-dioxolan-2-yl moiety afforded the bacteriochlorin (30% yield) containing a 2-hydroxyethoxy substituent at the 5-position. Fourth, subsequent bromination proceeded regioselectively at the 15-position to give a trans-(5,15)-AB-bacteriochlorin building block. The linear 5,15-substitution pattern is attractive for a number of molecular designs. The results taken together afford deeper understanding of the scope and limitations of the de novo route and also advance the capabilities for tailoring synthetic bacteriochlorins.