Synthetic Porphyrins and Metalloporphyrins.

Abstract

The entire field of porphyrin chemistry has undergone rapid and dramatic changes in the last decade. Porphyrins and metalloporphyrins are of interest to disciplines ranging from biochemistry and medicine to industrial catalysts.
Metalloporphyrins have been investigated as possible models for some enzymes. Some of the more important areas of interest include the search for superconductors, semiconductors, improved catalysts for various industrial application, electrocatalysts (e. g. as fuel cell electrodes) and as chemical shift reagents for nuclear magnetic resonance studies.
A variety of technique are available for preparation of both natural and synthetic porphyrins.
Metalloporphyrins is known for virtually every metallic element and new compounds are being prepared continually. While all porphyrins and metalloporphyrins of potential interest are obviously not know, one can state that the preparation of any reasonable porphyrin complex desired should be attainable through these new and powerfull synthetic techniques.