Synthesis and characterisation of a bis(silyloxy)tin(IV) porphyrin

Bis(hydroxy)tin(IV) tetraphenylporphyrin (Sn(IV)TPP(OH)2, 2) condenses with two equivalents of tris(tert-butoxy)silanol (HOSi(OtBu)3, 3) to form complex 2.32 in toluene. The product, which is air and moisture stable, has been characterised by 1H, 29Si and 119Sn NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Application of this reaction in producing novel photochromic glasses is also discussed.