Use of Piers-Rubinsztajn Chemistry to Access Unique and Challenging Silicon Phthalocyanines

Axial functionalization is one mode that enables the solubility of silicon phthalocyanines (SiPcs). Our group observed that the use of typical axial functionalization methodologies on reaction of Cl2SiPc with the chlorotriphenyl silane reagent unexpectedly resulted in the equal formation of triphenyl silyloxy silicon tetrabenzotriazacorrole ((3PS)-SiTbc) and the desired bis(tri-phenyl siloxy)-silicon phthalocyanine ((3PS)(2)-SiPc). The formation of a (3PS)-SiTbc was unexpected, and the separation of (3PS)-SiTbc and (3PS)(2)-SiPc was difficult. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the use of Piers-Rubinsztajn ( PR) chemistry as an alternative method to functionalize the axial position of a SiPc to avoid the generation of a Tbc derivative. PR chemistry is a novel method to form a Si-O bond starting with a Si-H-based reactant and a -OH-based nucleophile enabled by tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane as a catalyst. The PR chemistry was screened on several fronts on how it can be applied to SiPcs. It was found that the process needs to be run in nitrobenzene at a molar ratio and at a particular temperature. To this end, the triphenylsiloxy derivative (3PS)(2)-SiPc was produced and fully characterized, without the production of a Tbc derivative. In addition, we explored and outlined that the PR chemistry method can enable the formation of other SiPc derivatives that are inaccessible utilizing other established axial substitution chemistry methods such as (TM3)(2)-SiPc and (MDM)(2)-SiPc. These additional materials were also physically characterized. The main conclusion is that the PR chemistry method can be applied to SiPcs and yield several alternative derivatives and has the potential to apply to additional macrocyclic compounds for unique derivative formation.

Automated summary

Axial functionalization of SiPcs was successfully achieved using the Piers-Rubinsztajn (PR) chemistry method as an alternative approach to avoid the formation of Tbc derivatives. The PR chemistry method enabled the formation of multiple SiPc derivatives and shows potential for application to other macrocyclic compounds.