abstract |
A beta , beta '-dihydroxy meso-substituted chlorin, bacteriochlorin or isobacteriochlorin compound having the formula (I) or (II): <IMAGE> (I) or <IMAGE> (II) wherein M is a metal. A novel method for synthesizing the compound of formula (I) or (II) comprises the steps of: a. osmylating a beta . beta '-unsubstituted, meso-substituted porphyrin to form an osmate ester at the beta , beta '-position, and b. reducing the osmate ester to form the corresponding beta , beta '-dihydroxy meso-substituted chlorin, bacteriochlorin or isobacteriochlorin of formula (I) or (II). |