Synthesis and Characterization of Zn(Tpp) and Cu(Tpp)

Synthesis and Characterization of Zn(TPP) and Cu(TPP) Complexes 1 Project Summary The overall goal of the project is to synthesize two metalloporhyrins, (Tetraphenylporphyrinato)zinc(II) and (Tetraphenylporphyrinato)copper(II). Because metalloporphyrins occur naturally in hemoglobin and chlorophyll, their study has implications in synthesizing human blood as well as utilizing its ability to convert visible light to energy. In addition to these two applications, metalloporhyrins are utilized in supramolecular studies, are being researched for potential photodynamic therapy, and are used in building electronics on the molecular scale. While Zinc and Copper may not be the basis of chlorophyll or hemoglobin, by studying any metalloporhyrin,†¦show more content†¦Due to its highly conjugated structure, hematoporphyrin absorbs most strongly at around 640 nm, a wavelength that penetrates deeply into living tissue. Newer photodynamic therapy agents, including others based around porphyrin, absorb between 650-850 nm, thus allowing for deeper penetr ation of activating radiation into tissues.4 According to a study by Wormald et al.,5 another 3 porphyrin-based compound, known commercially as verteporfin, also shows promise in the treatment of macular degeneration by selectively halting the growth of harmful blood vessels under the retina. The photochemical and optical properties of porphyrin compounds have also made them a target of research in the field of molecular electronics. One goal of this research has been to produce improved optoelectronic devices such as photovoltaic cells, OLEDs and OFETs by imitating the early steps of photosynthesis. 3 The high thermal and photostabilities of porphyrin compounds also contribute to their appeal in the field of material science. Supramolecular structures of porphyrin compounds have also been studied for their electrical properties, and have been used to build nanoarchitectures and molecular assemblies ranging in length from several nanometers to the millimeter scale.1 This particular project focuses on two metalloporphyrins: (Tetraphenylporphyrinato)zinc(II) (Zn(TPP)) and (Tetra phenylporphyrinato)copper(II) (Cu(TPP)). Energy transfer in systems consisting of zinc