N,N'-etheno-bridged porphycenes have been synthesized in good yields b
y the reaction of Co(II) porphycenes with acetylenes in the presence o
f FeCl3. The etheno-bridge was introduced predominantly between the ad
jacent two nitrogens in the dipyrrylethene side rather than the dipyrr
ole side. These porphycenes are reduced at potentials more positive by
ca. 0.5 V than those of the corresponding N,N'-etheno-bridged porphyr
in analogues. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.