New developments in texaphyrin chemistry

Abstract

Dr. Sessler et al. first synthesized Texaphyrin in the 1980s. Since then, this expanded porphyrin has been at the forefront of the Sessler group’s research. Although decades worth of effort has been devoted to exploring texaphyrin and its derivatives, there still remain unexplored avenues of research related to the unique properties of this macrocyclic ligand. The work detailed in this thesis reflects an attempt to bring a fresh look into the world of texaphyrin chemistry. Chapter 1 of this thesis briefly delves into the background of texaphyrin. In Chapter 2, the synthesis of an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) active derivative of texaphyrin is detailed. In Chapter 3, is discussed the synthesis and characterization of a Dy(III)-texaphyrin derivative that was studied for its potential as a single molecule magnet (SMM). Chapter 4 focuses on trying to improve the toxicity of well-known anticancer compounds through co-incubation with MGd, while Chapter 5 details the synthetic attempts to prepare a new Pt(II)-based Gd(III)-texaphyrin anticancer conjugate.