Use of orthoesters in the synthesis of meso-substituted porphyrins

The use of two orthoesters, trimethyl orthoacetate and trimethyl orthobenzoate, in the synthesis of porphyrins from 5-phenyldipyrromethanes is described. Previously unreported 5,15-diphenyl-10,20-dimethyl porphyrins can be accessed conveniently by this route. A relationship between the steric bulk of the orthoester and the amount of scrambling of the porphyrin products has been found. Strong electron-withdrawing substituents on the phenyl ring of the dipyrromethane also enhance scrambling.