Preparation of 1,2‐Bis(3,4‐dicyanophenoxymethyl)benzene and the Binuclear Zinc Phthalocyanine Derived from It.

A method of synthesis of 1,2-bis(3,4-dicyanophenoxymethyl)benzene from the 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)benzene and 4-nitrophthalodinitrile is developed. Its tetramerization with Zn(OAc) 2 ·2H 2 O gives a binuclear zinc phthalocyanine of a new type, containing fouro-phenylidene bridges. The use of microwave heating decreases reaction time and increases yield.