The synthesis of a fluorinated phthalocyanine

The reaction of perfluoroalkylcopper with 4-iodophthalonitrile provides a convenient route to fluorinated phthalonitriles which readily form phthalocyanines in the presence of stannous chloride dihydrate.During the course of preparing 4-perfluoroheptylphthalonitrile $\text{1}$, a secondary reaction was observed when the reaction time was extended beyond two hours. This reaction involves the interaction of the orthodinitrile with copper and/or cuprous iodide to afford the phthalocyanine nucleus. This coaction is portrayed by the appearance of a green color in the reaction media.