Synthesis, characterization and comparative studies on the photophysical and photochemical properties of metal-free and zinc(II) phthalocyanines with phenyloxyacetic acid functionalities

► Synthesis and characterization of new peripherally and non-peripherally tetra-substituted metal-free and zinc(II) phthalocyanines with 2-, 3- and 4-phenyloxyacetic acid functionalities. ► Photophysical and photochemical properties in DMF. ► Ground state electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra. ► Photodynamic therapy.