SYNTHESIS OF MODEL ETHER-LINKED PORPHYRIN -CHLORIN DIMERS

Synthesis of model porphyrin-chlorin dimers with ether bond between th e porphyrin rings has been performed. New heterodimers have intense ab sorption maxima in the range of 670 - 700 nm. Octaethylporphyrin was c hosen as hydrophobic moiety, and chlorophyll derivative purpurin 18 wa s used as hydrophilic component. Opening the anhydride ring of purpuri n 18 under alkali treatment led to formation of chlorin p(6) and its t rimethyl ester. Consecutive saponification of dimers afforded derivati ves with different grade of chlorins esterification, that would allow to study regularity of sensitizer penetration and accumulation in tumo rs in dependence on its amphiphility.