Programmed asymmetrical trimer formation of -alkyl N-confused porphyrin zinc(II) complex

Self-coordination of -alkyl N-confused porphyrin (NCP) zinc(II) complexes has been studied to reveal that asymmetrical trimers formed exclusively. A key factor to control the configuration of the trimers (symmetric or asymmetric) has been studied theoretically, and revealed that the steric environment around the peripheral nitrogen atoms as well as rotational angles of the confused pyrrole rings play a crucial role in trimer formation of -alkyl NCP zinc(II) complexes.