The first example of Diels–Alder cycloaddition of ortho-xylylenes to meso-tetraarylporphyrins containing electron-deficient β,β-double bonds

β-Nitro-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin and its zinc complex, or 2,7-dinitro-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin, react with 1,3-dihydrobenzo[c]thiophene 2,2-dioxide in refluxing 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, giving rise to chlorins, bacteriochlorins or isobacteriochlorins. The products obtained are attractive intermediates for further functionalization of porphyrins and may be of potential use as sensitizers in photodynamic therapy.