Highly efficient synthesis of 21-thia-5,10,15,20-tetraarylporphyrins and 21,23-dithia-5,10,15,20-tetraarylporphyrins in presence of acidic ionic liquid catalyst

The reaction of 2,5-bis-(α-arylhydroxymethyl)thiophenes with 5-aryldipyrromethanes in the presence of acidic ionic liquid gives 21-thia-5,10,15,20-tetraarylporphyrins in 30% yield whereas the reaction of 2,5-bis-(α-arylhydroxymethyl)thiophenes with 5,10-diaryltripyrromethane or pyrrole gives 21,23-dithia-5,10,15,20-tetraarylporphyrins in 35% yield. Acidic ionic liquids are better catalyst and reaction media than acid catalysed reaction in organic solvents for the synthesis of core modified porphyrins.