The first example of anomeric glycoconjugation to phthalocyanines

Preparation and characterization of peripherally glucose substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanine 6, linked via the anomeric carbon through a novel glycosidation method is reported for the first time, for which classical Pc template chemistry with the unprotected phthalonitrile 4 could be used. Phthalocyanine 6 was formed in high yield and is displaying a high solubility in water as a primary condition for a potential biological application.