Synthesis and photophysical properties of the photoactivatable cationic porphyrin 5-(4-N-dodecylpyridyl)-10,15,20-tri(4-N-methylpyridyl)-21H,23H-porphyrin tetraiodide for anti-malaria PDT

Abstract

This article describes a new synthetic method for obtaining three water soluble porphyrins. The more sophisticated porphyrin [5-(4-N-dodecylpyridyl)-10,15,20-tri(4-N-methylpyridyl)-21H,23H-porphyrin tetraiodide], also named C12 porphyrin, was obtained through a three step methodology. The improvements, compared to syntheses described in the literature, mostly concern the purification procedures. The photophysical properties of the three porphyrins are described and the C12 porphyrin presents a very good ¹O₂ yield compared to its chemical intermediates. This porphyrin seems to be a very promising candidate for PDT applications.