Attachment of functional groups at the designated beta-pyrrolic positions in asymmetrically substituted porphyrins is important in building customized model systems. We have developed a synthetic method of mono-functionalized dipyrromethanes at one of the beta-pyrrolic positions. Synthesis of beta-mono-brominated AB(2)C and ABCD type porphyrins was achieved by "2+2" condensation therefrom. Copyright (C) 2002 Society of Porphyrins & Phthalocyanines.