SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF ANTHRAQUINONE-SUBSTITUTED PORPHYRIN COMPOUNDS

A synthetic route for the preparation of covalently-linked porphyrin-a nthraquinone compounds as models for the phototrap in photosynthesis i s described. ,8,12,18-tetraethyl-3,7,13,17-tetramethylporphyrin (DPQ) and its derivatives are synthesized by condensation of 3,3'-diethyl-4, 4'-dimethyl-2,2'-dipyrrolylmethane with an appropriate aldehyde in goo d molecular orientation and higher yield. The structures of new compou nds are determined H-1 NMR, UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy , mass spectrometry and elemental analytical data. Some of the photoph ysical properties of the compounds are reported with reference to thei r use as models of the reaction centre in photosynthesis.