The synthesis and properties of bis-1,1'-(porphyrinyl)ferrocenes

Ferrocene-bridged bisporphyrins have been synthesized by the condensation of corresponding dipyrromethane-derived diols with a bisdipyrromethane. Purification of the final compounds has been achieved without chromatography. The specific geometry of these bisporphyrins makes them valuable starting points for building complex molecular and supramolecular structures. In particular it provides a core to which multiple sites of attractive intermolecular interactions can be attached thereby creating compounds predisposed to form complex networks by association. We have studied the structure of bis-1,1'-(porphyrinyl)ferrocenes by 1H NMR, UV-Vis and electrochemistry. Results have shown that complex dynamic processes occur in these molecules (which may involve conformers, formation of H-aggregates and tautomers) and that they have non-typical electrochemical behaviour.