Asymmetrically meso-substituted porphyrin derivative containing the triazole group: Synthesis, characterization and photo-physicochemical properties

Abstract

In this study, a novel asymmetrically meso-substituted AB(3) porphyrins derivative including one triazole group to enhance the anticancer activity of the molecule and three bromophenyl groups to improve photochemical properties has been synthesized and characterized. Our objectives were to generate a system with triazole and bromophenyl groups that enhance the singlet oxygen generation and exhibits an anti-cancer effect. Therefore, photophysical and photochemical properties of this asymmetric porphyrin derivative (AB(3)) and the symmetric derivative (B-4) were investigated in THF. The substituent effect on fluorescence quantum yield and singlet oxygen generation was evaluated for efficiency in photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a photosensitizer. The molecules exhibited no aggregation tendency, solubility in common organic solvents and high singlet oxygen quantum yield in THF therefore these favorable properties make them good candidates as a photosensitizer for PDT.