Tetrabenzoporphyrins for PDT

The preparation of several differently substituted metallo-tetrabenzoporphyrins from the appropriate 1,3-dimethylisoindoles is described. The synthesis of these and of the required 1,4-dicarbonyl precursors is also presented. Monosulphonation has been performed on nickel(II) 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octamethyltetrabenzo[b,g,l,q]porphyrin, as a means to increase the amphiphilic properties of these compounds.