Tetra-(benzo-24-crown-8)-phthalocyanines as a platform for supramolecular ensembles: Synthesis and interaction with viologen

Abstract

The synthesis of a series of novel tetra-(benzo-24-crown-8)-phthalocyanines (Mg(II), Ni(II) and Co(II)) as well as a modified procedure for the free-base ligand and its Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes are reported. The tendency of these phthalocyanines to undergo supramolecular cofacial dimerization induced by interaction with a viologen ([Formula: see text]-di(but-3-ynyl)-4,4[Formula: see text]-bipyridinium) was investigated by UV-vis absorption and EPR spectral studies in solution. The nature of the metal cation in phthalocyanine, the concentration, as well as the solvent all influenced the assembly processes.