Synthesis and cell phototoxicity of a triply bridged fused diporphyrin appended with six thioglucose units

•A fused diporphyrin with six thioglucose units is made by click-type chemistry.•The glycoporphyrin is taken up by breast cancer cells.•Upon light exposure the glycoporphyrin causes cell death.•The glycoporphyrin photosensitizes formation of singlet oxygen in high quantum yields.

A triply bridged fused diporphyrin appended with six thioglucose units is reported. This new, chemically, and photochemically stable amphiphilic compound is taken up by breast cancer cells and causes cell death upon light exposure. Photophysical studies reveal absorption bands in the near IR region, and photosensitized formation of singlet oxygen in high quantum yields.

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