Synthesis of meso-tetraarylporphyrins using SeO2 as oxidant

Abstract The oxidative step of the two-step, one-flask synthesis of meso -tetraarylporphyrins is herein conducted with heterogeneous oxidant SeO 2 instead of the usual quinones DDQ or p -chloranil. Evaluation of BF 3 O(Et) 2 or I 2 amount for the condensation of the first step combined with the excess of SeO 2 defined porphyrin synthesis conditions employing benzaldehydes and pyrrole (or 5-phenyldipyrromethane) as starting materials. The simplicity of the workup, allied with reaction mild conditions, makes this method a good option for the synthesis of this kind of compound.