The novel 2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy substituted phthalocyanine dyes having high singlet oxygen quantum yields

The synthesis of novel peripheral or non-peripheral tetra-2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy substituted metal free, zinc(II) and indium(III) phthalocyanines was achieved. The novel compounds were characterized by IR, UV-Vis, H-1 NMR, MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopies and elemental analysis as well. The effects of the substituent position and the influence of the variety of central metal ions in novel phthalocyanines, on their spectroscopic, photophysical (fluorescence quantum yields, fluorescence lifetimes) and photochemical (photodegradation, singlet oxygen) properties were also investigated in dimethylformamide (DMF). The phthalocyanines showed good singlet oxygen quantum yields, appropriate photodegradation and fluorescence behaviour. For this reason, they may be appropriate candidates Type II photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy of cancer. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.