ftalocyaninit

Ftalocyaninit is a term used to describe a class of compounds based on the phthalocyanine macrocycle, typically referring to metal phthalocyaninates or phthalocyanine salts. In English literature these are usually called phthalocyaninates or metallophthalocyanines. The core feature is a large, planar macrocycle that can coordinate a central metal ion, yielding a family of compounds with diverse substituents and properties.

Structure and chemistry

The phthalocyanine ligand (Pc) is a 16-membered, highly conjugated ring with four isoindole units and a central cavity that binds metals. When a metal ion is coordinated to Pc, it forms metallophthalocyanine complexes such as M(Pc). Peripheral substituents (for example, sulfonate groups, alkyl or aryl groups) can be introduced to tune solubility, redox behavior, and optical properties, giving water-soluble or lipophilic derivatives as needed.

Synthesis

Ftalocyaninit compounds are typically prepared by cyclotetramerization of phthalonitrile derivatives in the presence of a metal salt and base, or by metallation of preformed free-base phthalocyanines. Further functionalization, including sulfonation or alkylation, yields a wide range of derivatives with tailored properties.

Properties

These compounds are known for high thermal and chemical stability, strong coloration, and intense absorption in the visible spectrum. They exhibit notable electrochemical activity and a broad range of redox potentials, making them useful in catalysis and electronic applications. Their optical and electronic properties can be tuned by metal choice and peripheral substituents.

Applications

Ftalocyaninits are widely used as pigments and dyes in paints, coatings, and inks. They serve as catalysts and electrocatalysts in oxidation and reduction reactions, and as active materials in organic electronics, sensors, dyes-sensitized solar cells, and photodynamic therapy.

See also

Phthalocyanine, metallophthalocyanine, porphyrazine, sulfonated phthalocyanine.