Syntheses of porphyrin and chlorin dimers for photodynamic therapy (Invited Paper)

Ravindra K. Pandey, University of California, Davis
M. G. Vicente, University of California, Davis
Fuu Yau Shiau, University of California, Davis
Thomas J. Dougherty, University of California, Davis
Kevin M. Smith, University of California, Davis

Abstract

Efficient methods for the syntheses of porphyrin and chlorin dimers joined with variable length carbon units, either at meso positions or at β-pyrrolic positions, are described. The in vivo testing results for some of the dimers are also discussed. The main objective of this work is to understand the structure/activity relationships among carbon-carbon linked dimers of porphyrins and chlorins. It is anticipated that this study will assist the authors in designing photosensitizers with required chemical and photochemical properties.