Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are proving to be a cost effective alternative to silicon based solar cells. Many prospective efficient dyes for DSSCs contain metal complexes that can be expensive. The prospect of an organic based absorber for a DSSC is an area of extensive research in the past few years. Herein, the synthesis of a new light absorbing porphyrin pentad system is described. Porphyrins are ideal structures for a dye because they have a high molar absorptivity and are utilized in nature for photosynthesis. A convergent synthesis was developed for the pentad centering on a key Sonagashira coupling to form the final X-shaped molecule. This short synthesis route holds high potential to produce a large variety of organic based solar cells dyes. 

Synthesis of a porphyrin pentad for use in dye-sensitized solar cells: Project X

245th National Meeting (2013)

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