Photophysical studies of Zn(II) tetra, tert-butyl phthalocyanine

Abstract

Phthalocyanine derivatives have attracted significant attention due to their unique chemical properties and applications in various fields, including photodynamic therapy. However, the synthesis and purification of phthalocyanines remain challenging. Among these derivatives, zinc(II) tetra, tert-butyl phthalocyanine (tert-ZnPc(II)) is noteworthy for its straightforward synthesis, making it a cost-effective option. tert-ZnPc(II) is often synthesized as a second-generation byproduct in the synthesis of asymmetric phthalocyanines when tert-butyl moieties are introduced to enhance the solubility of derivatives in a wide range of organic solvents. The practical applications of phthalocyanine derivatives depend mainly on their photophysical properties, which in turn influence key parameters such as absorption and fluorescence emission. This study investigates the ultraviolet–visible (UV– vis) absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopies of tert-ZnPc(II), focusing on the impact of solvent polarity and the effect of different concentrations of water on UV–vis absorption behavior.