The synthesis of new potential photosensitizers [1]. Part 2. Tetrakis-(hydroxyphenyl)porphyrins with long alkyl chain in the molecule

•New tetra(hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin derivatives were synthesized.•Basic physicochemical properties were determined.•The properties are akin to those of Foscan, widely used in PDT.

Several new derivatives of tetrakis(hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin were synthesized and their physicochemical data were established. These data were further assessed in terms of the synthesized compounds' usefulness as potential photosensitizers in anticancer photodynamic therapy. Absorption and fluorescence spectra, as well as triplet state lifetime were determined along with the compounds' stability and capacity to generate singlet oxygen. They obtained were compared to the corresponding data pertaining to a well-known and clinically admitted photosensitizing drug (Foscan).