Phthalocyanines (Pc) are the general term for compounds that contain the tetrabenzotetraazaporphine (H₂-Pc) ring, which is the porphyrin analog and metal phthalocyanines (M-Pc). M-Pc has attractive physical properties associated with their structures, and this has led to a broad spectrum of studies being done on synthetic methods and properties. Amongst the many synthetic methods, ones using 1,2-dicyanobenzene or 1,3-iiminoisoindoline, are the most common, since these methods produce the products in high purity.¹⁾ M-Pc possesses a large delocalized π electron system due
to the tetraazaporphine ring, which leads to interesting and useful photochemical properties. The photochemical and photophysical properties of these systems have been studied extensively, and some of these compounds have been put to practical use. The weather-resistant blue and green pigments are one example, and in other examples, the photoelectric properties have been applied to optical memory disks, luminescent devices and solar batteries. M-Pc is also utilized as carrier-generation-layer of electrophotographic photoconductor.²⁾ Furthermore, M-Pc has redox properties which find use as an electrochromic material³⁾, which results in a reversible discoloration phenomenon caused by changing the applied electric potential. M-Pc is also used as a deodorant and antibacterial agent by selection of the appropriate central metals and the making of pendant-type polymers.¹⁾ In other examples, M-Pc has uses in M-Pc derivative sensor⁴⁾, liquid crystal⁵⁾, photochemical therapy for cancer and many others. M-Pc is the functional material of the 21st-Century, and more is anticipated upon further research and development.

Phthalonitriles

Naphthalonitriles

Others

Phthalocyanines

Phthalonitriles

A1166	B1353	B1334
C1163	D2189	D1610
D3963	D2079	D1983
D2237	H0691	H0813
M1379	N0524	N0566
P1071	P0404	P1070
T0988	T1402

Naphthalonitriles

B1390	D2282	D2434
D1977	D2027	D2009
N0578

Others

D2269	A1292	D2148
D2270	D2271	D2026
D2281	D1751	P1218
T1472

Phthalocyanines

P0887	C2427	P1005
P1006	T1256	P1049
P0973	H1194	P0774
P0766	P1018	P0355
P1795	C1167	P0996
P0655	P1628	S0363
P1024	P0997	P0767