Solution conformations of dodecasubstituted cobalt(II) porphyrins

Proton NMR spectroscopic and molecular mechanic studies of seven dodecasubstituted porphyrins reveal that these compounds possess identical structures in both solution and solid states, implying the presence of cavities in solution also. The compounds with these cavities react with 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene to result in pi-complexes and find application as oxidation catalysts with good optical selectivity. The presence of the cavities modifies the physical and chemical properties of the porphyrins.