Synthesis, X-ray structures and characterization of beryllium phthalocyanine and (2-ethoxyethanol)-aqua-beryllium phthalocyanine

Crystals of beryllium phthalocyanine (I) were obtained from the reaction of beryllium pieces with 1,2-dicyanobenzene at 270 °C. In subsequent preparatory work the beryllium phthalocyanine was transformed into the monoaxially ligated compound (2-ethoxyethanol)-aqua-beryllium phthalocyanine (II). The crystal structures of (I) and (II) were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Based on thermogravimetric measurements, a conversion of the beryllium phthalocyanine into beryllium phthalocyanine monohydrate in wet air has been followed in detail. The beryllium phthalocyanine monohydrate and compound II loose the ligated water and 2-ethoxyethanol in the 150 °C region. The EPR spectra of the beryllium phthalocyanine complexes as exposed to air have been recorded and discussed.