Syntheses of Tetrapyrroles

This chapter addresses basic methodology that can be used to obtain tetrapyrrole macrocycles in the porphyrin and chlorin series from natural materials and some simple methods for the total chemical synthesis of typical pyrroles and porphyrins. The aim is to provide investigators with enough information to decide whether to take on the task of preparing samples of useful porphyrin and chlorophyll derivatives or whether to simply purchase them or collaborate with other individuals more expert in the established synthetic procedures. The procedures reported herein are usually those which are easiest for the nonexpert to perform, while at the same time being sufficient to provide pure samples of the required product.