Synthesis of meso-tetraarylporphyrins using hafnium (IV) bis(perfluorooctanesulfonyl)imide complex in perfluorodecalin medium

Abstract

This letter presents a non-conventional synthesis of meso-porphyrins in moderate yields, using catalytic quantities of hafnium (IV) bis(perfluorooctanesulfonyl)imide complex in a perfluorodecalin biphasic system. Various meso-tetraarylporphyrins were obtained in good yields. The catalyst is selectively dissolved in perfluorodecalin, and can be recovered simply by phase separation and reused several times without any obvious decrease of activity.