Synthesis, Characterization, Singlet‐Oxygen Photogeneration, DNA Photocleavage and Two‐Photon‐Absorption Properties of Some (4‐Cyanophenyl)porphyrins

A series of (4-cyanophenyl)porphyrins have been prepared and structurally characterized by 1H NMR, IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The relative singlet-oxygen quantum yields, two-photon absorption cross-sections and DNA photocleavage activities of these porphyrins were measured. The results show that (4-cyanophenyl)porphyrins with a properly designed hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance for better cellular uptake have potential application in two-photon-absorption photodynamic therapy. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)