NOVEL PORPHYRINOIDS .11. COPROPORPHYRIN-II FOR PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

Hematoporphyrin has acclaimed world-wide importance in photodynamic tumor therapy (PDT). Functional disadvantages of the ''upper'' half of the molecule of this photosensitizer, such as chemical instability and stereoisomerism, however, still prevent its use medicinally. The novel [22]coproporphyrin II 1 synthesized from two 'lower' halves of the molecule is characterized by stability, steric homogeneity, and long-wave intense UV/VIS bands. 1 is an aromatic [22]annulene.