Red-Shifted Glycoporphyrins: Synthesis via Sonogashira Cross-Coupling and Studies on Reactive Oxygen Species Production

Glycoporphyrins are in the spotlight as third-generation photosensitizers. Herein, we present a new Sonogashira-based methodology toward C-C-bonded, diverse carbohydrate-porphyrin hybrids. The sugar unit is for the first time effectively conjugated with a porphyrin system, resulting in a bathochromic shift of absorption maxima. The products generate reactive oxygen species with the use of 690-740 nm visible light lamps, making them promising photosensitizers in phototherapies.