Central zinc metal-controlled regioselective meso-bromination of zincatedß-silylporphyrins-rapid access to meso,ß-dual-functionalized porphyrins.

A convenient method for the preparation of meso,ß-dual-functionalized porphyrin was developed. The bromination of zincatedß-silylporphyrin with NBS selectively yielded meso-bromo-ß-silylporphyrin, whereas, the bromination of free-baseß-silylporphyrin selectively yielded ß-bromoporphyrin via an ipso-substitution of the silyl group. These meso,ß-dual-functionalized porphyrins could be used as multipurpose synthons for fabricating various porphyrin derivatives.