Peripherally alpha(α)-substituted novel phthalocyanines

Two novel, nickel phthalocyanines bearing peripherally alpha(α)-substituents, namely octa(1,3-bis(dodecyloxy)propan-2-ol) and octa(1,3-bis[2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethoxy]propan-2-ol) were synthesized by cyclotetramerisation of the corresponding nitriles. At room temperature, the peripherally α-substituted Ni(II) phthalocyanine complexes exhibited a relatively viscous liquid state; their spectroscopic properties and aggregation behaviour were investigated in different solvents and at different concentrations in chloroform. The two compounds showed Q-bands in the near-IR region of the electronic spectrum and did not aggregate in all solvents and under a wide range of concentrations in chloroform.