First entry into nonmetal-centred porphycenes: synthesis of a phosphorus(v) complex of octaethylporphycene.

A phosphorus(v) complex of porphycene [P(OEPc)(OMe)2]PF6 (OEPc = 2,3,6,7,12,13,16,17-octaethylporphycenato dianion) has been synthesized and structurally characterized as the first porphycene derivative incorporating nonmetal elements in the macrocyclic cavity. An extremely low energy level of the LUMO is observed, which is rationalized by the low-lying π* orbital of the porphycene ring coupled with the insertion of the highly-inductive pentavalent phosphorus centre. The compound is luminescent in bright red with a quantum yield of 22.7% in CH2Cl2 at 298 K.