Synthesis, modification, and optical properties of C3-ethynylated chlorophyll derivatives

3-Ethynyl-chlorin was prepared from methyl pyropheophorbide-d using Bestmann-Ohira reagent. The mono-substituted acetylene was subjected to copper-free, Pd-mediated coupling to form chlorin derivatives possessing a series of substituted ethynyl groups at the C3-position. Its 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with azido compounds were also demonstrated.