Exceptionally effective generation of singlet oxygen in aqueous media via iodinated zinc-phthalocyanine

Abstract

Asymmetrically substituted zinc phthalocyanine (Pc) derivatives bearing quatemized triazolyl moieties for water solubility and iodine as a heavy metal atom have been investigated as singlet oxygen generators in aqueous media. In addition to the heavy atom effect exerted by iodine covalently bonded to the Pc molecule, a second dimensional effect induced by aggregation which brings the iodine anions of triazolyl units into closer proximity to the Pc core leading to the highest reported singlet oxygen generation for a Pc derivative in water (Phi(Delta) = 0.87).