The synthesis of metal-free octaazaphthalocyanine derivatives containing bulky phenoxy substituents to prevent self-association

Octaazaphthalocyanines with eight phenoxy groups in the peripheral sites are prepared for the first time using the simple synthetic procedure of heating their pyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile precursor in quinoline. This process avoids transetherification, which has hindered previous attempts at preparing metal-free octaazaphthalocyanines. Metal-containing derivatives were also prepared by adding the appropriate metal salt to the reaction mixture. Bulky iso-propyl or phenyl groups at the 2,6-positions of the phenoxy substituents prevent self-association of the octaazaphthalocyanine cores even in the solid state.