Synthesis of meso-tetraarylporphyrins using SeO2 as oxidant

The oxidative step of the two-step, one-flask synthesis of meso-tetraarylporphyrins is herein conducted with heterogeneous oxidant SeO2 instead of the usual quinones DDQ or p-chloranil. Evaluation of BF3O(Et)2 or I2 amount for the condensation of the first step combined with the excess of SeO2 defined porphyrin synthesis conditions employing benzaldehydes and pyrrole (or 5-phenyldipyrromethane) as starting materials. The simplicity of the workup, allied with reaction mild conditions, makes this method a good option for the synthesis of this kind of compound.