The preparation of compounds where functionality in the meso-position of the tetrapyrrolic ring is introduced during the formation of the porphyrin represents the main purpose of this work. The synthesis of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin (3-OHPP), by Adler method, implying reaction between m-hydroxybenzaldehyde/ pyrrole/ propionic anhydride at a molar ratio of 1/ 1/ 1, in large excess of propionic acid, as solvent, is presented. The hydroxy-porphyrin was isolated from the reaction mixture by precipitation with hexane and it was purified by column chromatography. The purity of the compound (3-OHPP) was certified by HPLC on polar KROMASIL SI 100 column, using as eluent hexane. The structure was elucidated by 1H-NMR, FT-IR, fluorescence and UV-vis analysis. Photophysical properties were studied by UV-vis, emission and excitation spectra performed in different solvents and in various acid pH-media. The obtained compound represents a precursor for new materials exhibiting opto-electronic properties, useful in PDT therapy and for further applications in solar energy conversion and catalysis.
