Synthesis of rubyrins containing two or three heteroatoms (O, S, Se) in the
core is accomplished using modified diols and tetrapyrromethanes. Substitu
tion of heteroatoms leads to significant reductions in HOMO-LUMO gap and ea
sier oxidations and reductions reflecting the changes in electronic structu
re of the rubyrin skeleton. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reser
ved.