Central zinc metal-controlled regioselective meso-bromination of zincatedβ-silylporphyrins-rapid access to meso,β-dual-functionalized porphyrins.

A convenient method for the preparation of meso,β-dual-functionalized porphyrin was developed. The bromination of zincatedβ-silylporphyrin with NBS selectively yielded meso-bromo-β-silylporphyrin, whereas, the bromination of free-baseβ-silylporphyrin selectively yielded β-bromoporphyrin via an ipso-substitution of the silyl group. These meso,β-dual-functionalized porphyrins could be used as multipurpose synthons for fabricating various porphyrin derivatives.