Synthesis and in vitro photodynamic activity of novel galactose-containing phthalocyanines

A novel series of silicon(IV) phthalocyanines with one or two axial acetal-protected galactose substituent(s) have been prepared by typical substitution reactions. The compounds exhibit a high photodynamic activity against HepG2 human hepatocarcinoma cell with IC50 values down to 0.10 μM.