The chemical stabilities of phthalocyanine monomers vs. aggregations

Two unsymmetrical phthalocyanines (Pcs) having a strong tendency toward forming aggregations were synthesized and the electronic absorption spectral studies revealed that their monomers are much easier to be protonated or decomposed than the aggregations in acidic or oxidative conditions. Before being protonated or decomposed, the aggregations are always disassembled into the monomers in the solutions. This conclusion is undoubtedly of considerable realistic significance for the practical application as molecular catalysis.

Graphical abstractThe UV/vis absorption spectral study of two highly aggregating phthalocyaninatocobalts in neutral, acidic or oxidative conditions revealed that the protonation and decompositions of their aggregations are more difficult than those of monomers, and the aggregations always dissolved into their monomers before being protonated or decomposed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (104 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Two highly aggregating phthalocyaninatocobalts were synthesized and separated. ► Both of them were confirmed by MS and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. ► The aggregations of both phthalocyanines are more stable than their monomers. ► The aggregations are always disassembled into the monomers before being protonated. ► The aggregations are always disassembled into the monomers before being decomposed.