Dimethoxytetraphenylbenziporphyrins

A two step synthesis of dimethoxytetraphenylbenziporphyrins is reported. Although these porphyrin analogues are cross-conjugated, addition of TFA affords diprotonated species that show a significant diamagnetic ring current. In addition, reaction with nickel(II) acetate also affords organometallic derivatives with borderline aromatic characteristics.