Synthesis and photodynamic activity of zinc(II) phthalocyanine derivatives bearing methoxy and trifluoromethylbenzyloxy substituents in homogeneous and biological media

Two zinc(II) phthalocyanines bearing either four methoxy (ZnPc 3) or trifluoromethylbenzyloxy (ZnPc 4) substituents were synthesized and their photodynamic activity compared in both homogeneous medium containing photooxidizable substrate and in vitro on Hep-2 human larynx-carcinoma cell line. Although both sensitizers present similar behavior in organic solvent, a higher cell photoinactivation was found for ZnPc 3.