Alternative synthetic route toward octaisopropylporphyrins and structural deformation caused by a meso-butyl group

Abstract

A rarely investigated octaisopropylporphyrin (OiPP) was successfully prepared by an alternative synthetic route with organic reactions. Introduction of an electron-donating butyl group at the meso-position of OiPP nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes induced structural perturbation on the porphyrin cores. Structural distortion of nickel(II) complexes decreased slightly upon introduction of a butyl group; however, structural change of the copper complexes showed opposite behavior. These results indicate that structural deformation of the OiPP metal complexes with a meso-substituent was determined by the central metal.