Selective hetero-bis-metalation of a cisoid isomer of doubly N-confused dioxohexaphyrin

Novel site-selective hetero-copper(II)/zinc(II) complexes of a cisoid-configured doubly N-confused dioxohexaphyrin analog (c-ZnCu-2 and c-CuZn-2) were synthesized and characterized. The resulting heterometal complexes exhibited a unique near-infrared (NIR) absorption feature, and the facile redox-active properties originated from the large 26 pi-conjugated structure. The distinct difference between the site-dependent c-ZnCu-2 and c-CuZn-2 appeared in the specific structural parameters of the d( )(9)copper centers in the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra and the Lewis acidity of the zinc centers upon the base-titrations. These complexes have potential for the hetero-metal-containing pi-material applications that respond to the NIR light.

Automated summary

Novel site-selective hetero-copper/zinc complexes were synthesized and characterized, showing unique NIR absorption features and easy redox properties. The differences in structural parameters and Lewis acidity between the copper and zinc centers in different complexes highlight their potential applications as pi-materials responding to NIR light.