Synthesis of low-symmetry subphthalocyanines with diverse functionalization patterns
We report here on the synthesis, isolation and characterization of unsymmetrically substituted subphthalocyanines obtained from the mixed condensation of 4,5-substituted phthalonitriles and/or 4-substituted phthalonitriles in the presence of BCl 3. Compared to phthalocyanines, it is clear that the cone-shaped structure of subphthalocyanines facilitates the isolation of the different regioisomers formed by regular laboratory chromatographic techniques. However, we demonstrate that some factors, such as the solubility of the regioisomers formed or the intermolecular interactions between side chains, can sometimes impede their complete separation. We also show that the structural assignment of each regioisomeric compound can be performed by careful analysis of its 1 H NMR spectra and, in some cases, with the help of NOE NMR experiments and molecular modeling.