meso-Tetraphenylporphyrin

meso-Tetraphenylporphine (TPP) is a synthetic porphyrin widely used as a model compound in chemistry and biology. It features a planar porphyrin ring with four phenyl groups at the meso positions, offering stability and strong absorption in the visible range. Its most notable spectral feature is a Soret band near 417 nm, along with several Q-bands up to 645 nm, and it fluoresces in the 650-720 nm range. Spectral data: λex 420nm, λem 651nm (in toluene). TPP's ability to coordinate metal ions such as Fe, Zn, and Cu makes it valuable for studying heme-like systems and catalysis. Metallated TPP complexes mimic biological processes like oxygen transport and electron transfer, while also serving in oxidation catalysis and as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy. Its synthetic flexibility allows for structural modifications that improve solubility or electronic properties, enabling applications in materials science, photovoltaics, and nanotechnology. TPP remains a foundational molecule for research spanning fundamental chemistry to advanced functional materials.