Modern Methods for the Sustainable Synthesis of Metalloporphyrins

Abstract

Metalloporphyrins are involved in many and diverse applications that require the preparation of these compounds in an efficient manner, which nowadays, also involves taking into consideration sustainability issues. In this context, we use ball milling mechanochemistry and sonochemistry for the rational development of synthetic strategies for the sustainable preparation of metalloporphyrins. Zinc, copper, cobalt and palladium complexes of hydrophobic porphyrins were obtained in high yields and under mechanical action with a moderate excess of the metal salt, without any solvent or additive. Sonochemistry prove to be a good alternative for the preparation of metal complexes of water-soluble porphyrins in good yields and short reaction times. Both strategies have good sustainability scores, close to the ideal values, which is useful in comparing and helping to choose the more adequate method.