Porphyrins substituted with antioxidant 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol substituents have been shown to exhibit different conformations based on the oxidation state of those substituents leading to the oxoporphyrinogens.^1,2 On the other hand, pyrazinacenes are obtained by synthesis of linearly-fused 1,4-pyrazine groups giving molecules with potential as semiconductors, proton conductors or fluorescent labels. We have investigated both classes of compounds for their potential applications^3,4 Here, we will describe the results of these investigations including highlighting the different compounds obtained from the porphyrin system, synthesis and structure in the phthalocyanine,⁵ TPA and HPB systems,⁶ and an extensive crystallographic analysis of the resorcinarene system.⁷ We will also present synthetic aspects of the pyrazinacene system including new synthesis pathways for higher derivatives.⁸ Finally, a molecular switch based on mechanical extension of an oxoporphyrinogen molecule will be described.⁹

References

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