Iron(II) Complex of Octopus-Porphyrin with a Covalently Linked Proximal Imidazole; Self-Assembly and O2-Coordination in Aqueous Media

The iron complex of tetrakis[2,6-di(alkanoyloxy)phenyl]porphyrin derivative with seven phosphocholine head groups and an N-alkylimidazole side-chain as the proximal base (octopus-porphyrin) has been synthesized. The ferrous complex (7b) was easily dispersed in water to provide a stable colloid. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning force microscopy of the evaporated solution showed spherical micelles with a diameter of 8 nm, which probably consists of a dimer of 7b. These micellar aggregates could reversibly coordinate O2 at 25 °C; and the O2-binding parameters are also given.