Synthesis and inversion barriers of undeca- and dodeca-substituted saddle shaped porphyrin complexes

Synthesis and barriers to inversion of a series of highly saddle shaped complexes are reported. The ΔG≠ has decreased by 8 kJ mol−1 at 243 K when the meso phenyl groups are replaced by bulkier 2,6-dichlorophenyl groups, and by 17 kJ mol−1 when one of the peripheral ethyl groups is removed.