Synthesis and photochemical properties of phthalocyanine zinc(II) complexes containing o-carborane units

The synthesis and characterization of novel phthalocyanine zinc(II) complexes containing o-carborane units are described. The following properties of o-carboranyl-substituted phthalocyanines were investigated: singlet oxygen quantum yield, photo-oxidative stability, photocatalytic activity in the photooxidation of (S)-(−)-citronellol. The o-carboranyl substituted phthalocyanine zinc(II) complexes exhibit improved singlet oxygen quantum yields, photo-oxidative stabilities, photocatalytic activities compared to phthalocyanine zinc(II) complexes without o-carboranyl groups. Therefore these o-carboranyl complexes are of interest for use in cancer therapy.