Multiporphyrinic Cages: Architectures and Functions

An overview of the synthesis and applications of molecular containers containing more than one porphyrin in their framework and enclosing a three-dimensional (3D) cavity is presented. Multiporphyrinic molecular cages held together by more than two linkers are considered in the review, as these multiple linkers restrict or prevent free rotation of the porphyrin derivatives and in such molecular architectures an internal 3D void space exists. The synthesis of covalent multiporphyrinic cages requires an important effort in the case of a stepwise synthesis which starts with the preparation of a functionalized porphyrin ready to cyclize.