Lipophilic phthalocyanines for their potential interest in photodynamic therapy: synthesis and photo-physical properties

Several phthalocyanines with different peripheral substituents were prepared and characterized by MALDI-TOF, 1H NMR, UV–vis, fluorescence, and singlet oxygen quantum yields and retention time in HPLC normal phase. Zinc was used as a central metal ion to increase the photodynamic therapy efficiency. Phthalonitrile or 4-nitro phthalonitriles were used as starting materials. The influence of lipophilicity on the photophysical and photochemical properties was evaluated.