An Oxidant- and Catalyst-Free Electrooxidative Cross-Coupling Approach to Synthesize meso-Substituted Porphyrin Derivatives

J Org Chem. 2022 Apr 1;87(7):4742-4749. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c00031. Epub 2022 Mar 18.

Abstract

The synthesis of porphyrin and chlorin derivatives has attracted significant attention due to their numerous applications. Herein, we report an environment friendly oxidant- and catalyst-free electrooxidative cross-coupling approach for multiple coupling reactions to synthesize meso C-N, C-O, and C-S substituted porphyrin and chlorin derivatives. For C-N cross-coupling reactions, diaminated porphyrins were obtained as the main products, while using 4-bromo-2,6-dimethyl aniline resulted in monoaminated product. Similarly, electrochemical catalysis of porphyrins with phenol and thiophene produced meso-disubstituted porphyrins in moderate yields under a smaller current. Chlorins were also applicable, and 20-substituted products were efficiently produced regioselectively. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first example of electrooxidative C-X cross-coupling of porphyrins and chlorins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Oxidants*
  • Porphyrins*

Substances

  • Oxidants
  • Porphyrins