Synthesis and Characterization of Octakis (hydroxyethylthio)-substituted Phthalocyanines

The new metal-free phthalocyanine 2 and phthalocyaninatometals 3-5 (M = Ni, Co and Zn) carrying eight hydroxyethylmercapto groups on peripheral positions have been synthesized from 1,2-bis(hydroxyethylmercapto)-4,5-dicyanobenzene in the presence of a suitable anhydrous metal salt [NiCl(2), CoCl(2) or Zn(O(2)CMe)(2)] or hydroquinone. Zinc (II) phthalocyaninate reacted with palladium(II) salt to form complexes with a phthalocyanine (metal ratio of 1:4). The electrical conductivity of the phthalocyanines 2, 3, 5, 5a are in the semiconductor range. (C) 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.