Phthalocyanines bearing bulky cycloalkylmethyl substituents on non-peripheral sites

Octasubstituted phthalocyanines bearing bulky (cyclopentyl)methyl- and (cyclohexyl)methyl-substituents in non-peripheral positions are prepared and characterised. The synthesis of the precursor phthalonitriles is achieved through nickel-catalysed cross-coupling employing alkylzinc reagents. In the case of the (cyclopentyl)methyl derivative the formal precursor is 5-hexenyl bromide which yields the cyclised material exclusively on formation of the zinc reagent and subsequent cross-coupling.