SYNTHESIS AND AGGREGATION OF CATIONIC PORPHYRINS

Tetra(N-R-pyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin and tetra(N-R-pyridinium-3-yl)porp hyrin derivatives were synthesized with R = 3, 6, and 8 carbon alkene, alcohol and carboxylic acid chains. Self-aggregation of these systems was studied at I = 0.1 using visible spectroscopy. N-Alkyl chain leng th and functionality were determined to play the dominant role in aggr egation of the cationic porphyrins. Position of peripheral charge (met a vs. para) also influenced spectral changes and the nature of the agg regate.