The insertion of palladium(II) into di‐p‐pyrirubyrin results in mutually convertible bimetallic complexes. Post‐synthetic functionalization of one of them yielded bispalladium(II) dioxo‐di‐p‐pyrirubyrin and, after demetallation, dioxo‐di‐p‐pyrirubyrin, introducing for the first time the α,β′‐pyridin‐2‐one unit into the macrocyclic frame. Bispalladium(II) di‐p‐pyrirubyrin 6, bispalladium(II) dioxo‐di‐p‐pyrirubyrin 9, and dioxo‐di‐p‐pyrirubyrin 10 absorb and emit light around 1000 nm and are characterized by high photostability. Thus, they are promising candidates for near‐infrared photoacoustic dyes, ideally targeting (9) the wavelength of Yb‐based fiber lasers. The incorporation of an α,β′‐pyridine moiety into expanded porphyrins opens a highly interesting area of research due to the attractive optical and coordination properties of the resulting molecules.

In this study, we evaluate the factors which determine the reactivity of divalent metal ions in the spontaneous formation of metallochlorophylls, using experimental and computational approaches. Kinetic studies were carried out using pheophytin a in reactions with various divalent metal ions combined with non- or weakly-coordinative counter ions in a series of organic solvents. To obtain detailed insights into the solvent effect, the metalations with the whole set of cations were investigated in three solvents and with Zn²⁺ in seven solvents. The reactions were monitored using electronic absorption spectroscopy and the stopped-flow technique. DFT calculations were employed to shed light on the role of solvent in activating the metal ions towards porphyrinoids. This experimental and computational analysis gives detailed information regarding how the solvent and the counter ion assist/hinder the metalation reaction as activators/inhibitors. The metalation course is dictated to a large extent by the reaction medium, via either the activation or deactivation of the incoming metal ion. The solvent may affect the metalation in several ways, mainly via H-bonding with pyrrolenine nitrogens and the activation/deactivation of the incoming cation. It also seems to affect the activation enthalpy by causing slight conformational changes in the macrocyclic ligand. These new mechanistic insights contribute to a better understanding of the “metal–counterion–solvent” interplay in the metalation of porphyrinoids. In addition, they are highly relevant to the mechanisms of metalation reactions catalyzed by chelatases and explain the differences between the insertion of Mg²⁺ and other divalent cations.

The nature of chlorophyll interactions with copper(II) ions varies considerably in organic solvents, depending on the dominant coordinative form. Besides formation of the metallo tetrapyrrolic complex, Cu(II) ions can cause oxidation of the pigment, reversible or irreversible, which can lead to the destruction of the macrocyclic structure. All these reaction types can be distinguished within a quite narrow range of reaction conditions. The ability to form new metallo derivatives in either metalation or transmetalation reactions is obviously limited by the concentration of the potential oxidant, but can be secured below this level via suitable composition of the reaction system. The decisive factor in the selection of a specific reaction pathway is the presence of a potential ligand that can affect the reactivity of Cu(II) for example by shifting its redox potential. Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies were performed in order to determine the predominant species of Cu(II) in methanol, nitromethane and acetonitrile in the presence of chloride and acetate ions, as well as to assign their appropriate oxidizing ability. This allowed us to estimate the boundary conditions for the electron transfer processes in chlorophyll–Cu(II) systems. Chlorophyll and its free base can undergo both types of electron transfer processes, however, they reveal different susceptibilities that make this class of ligands quite versatile markers in tuning the reactivity of metal ions in solutions.

Cobalt and manganese porphyrins are known for their ability to activate small molecules. This is particularly important in the case of nitric oxide, whose role and mechanism of action in the redox biological systems have not yet been fully recognized. The goal of this article is to draw attention to some of the current trends of research in this area. The interactions involving NO itself and the primary products of its oxidation (nitrite) and reduction (nitroxyl) have been distinguished and separately discussed. The diversity of undertaken issues sheds light on both the expected behavior in biologically relevant systems as well as potential practical applications. Graphical abstract The results of recent research on interactions between cobalt and manganese porphyrins with nitric oxide species are summarized. The systems containing NO itself as well as its oxidized (nitrite) and reduced (nitroxyl) forms are discussed separately. Selected publications are primarily focused on the reaction mechanisms with respect to both biological systems and potential applications.