Tetraaryltetraanthra[2,3]porphyrins: Synthesis, Structure, and Optical Properties

A synthetic route to symmetrical tetra­aryl­tetra­anthra[2,3]porphyrins (Ar4TAPs) was developed. Ar4TAPs bearing various substituents in meso-phenyls and anthracene residues were prepared from the corresponding pyrrolic precursors. The synthesized porphyrins possess high solubility and exhibit remarkably strong absorption bands in the near-infrared region (790–950 nm). The scope of the method, selection of the peripheral substituents, choice of the metal, and their influence on the optical properties are discussed together with the first X-ray crystallographic data for anthraporphyrin.