# Microwave-Promoted Synthesis of Sulfonated Metallophthalocyanines and Aggregation in Different Solvents

Authors: Zhenhua Cheng; Na Cui; Shengjuan Jiang; Hongxiao Zhang; Lijun Zhu; Daohong Xia
Journal: Advances in Materials Science and Engineering
 (2015)

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## Abstract

Five metallosulfophthalocyanines (Fe, Ni, Zn, Co, and Cu) compounds were synthesized  by microwave irradiation. Compared to the conventional method of synthesis in terms of reaction time and yields, the microwave-promoted synthesis is preferred with high product yield and short reaction time. All synthesized products were characterized with MALDI-TOF mass spectrum, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Aggregation behavior of the five metallosulfophthalocyanines (MSPc) in different solvents was studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy separately in N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) and NaOH aqueous solution (5%wt). A redshift of maximum absorption wavelength and deviations from Lambert-Beer law with increasing the concentration were observed. The dimerization equilibrium constants (K) of the five MSPc were determined, respectively.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

As new multifunctional materials, metallophthalocyanine compounds have been widely used in the field of catalysis, particularly in light oil sweetening in petroleum refining industry [1]. However, the applications of metallophthalocyanines (MPc) as catalysts are often restricted due to their poor solubility both in common organic solvents and in water. Also, MPc tend to aggregate through coplanar association of the conjugated phthalocyanine (Pc) rings. In that way, the formed dimer and higher mass aggregates may further reduce their solubility in solvents [2–4]. Thus, unsubstituted MPc can not be directly used as catalyst for the conversion of mercaptan to disulfide during light oil sweetening. The solubility of MPc compounds in alkali solution (or water) can be improved by introducing electron-withdrawing or electron-donating substituents, such as sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, or amide groups at the periphery and axial positions of the Pc ring [5–7]. The conventional synthesis of metallosulfophthalocyanines (MSPc) is time-consuming method with low product yields. In addition, the aggregation of MSPc can result in decreased catalytic activity in oil sweetening application. So studies of the synthesis with convenient method and the aggregation of MSPc in different solvents have been of great interest in the field of catalysis.Khene et al. [8] reported the microwave synthesis of tetrasulfonated tin phthalocyanine. The microwave synthesis is proved to be a simple and fast approach for formation of MPc complexes. Thus, five sulfonated phthalocyanine metal (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) compounds were synthesized with the assistance of microwave, and their aggregation behavior was studied.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Materials and Equipment

All reagents and solvents were AR grade and obtained from the State Chemicals Corp. Synthesis of the five MSPc was performed on a NOVA-II microwave reactor with the output power being 500 W (PreeKem Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd.). FT-IR spectra were recorded on a Nicolet 6700 Fourier transform infrared (Thermo Scientific) spectrophotometer, and electronic spectra were recorded on a Hitachi U-3900H UV-Vis spectrophotometer using 1.0 cm cuvettes at room temperature. Mass spectra were performed on a BIFLEX III MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was obtained with an X’Pert Pro MPD diffractometer (Panalytical) employing Cu-Kα radiation (The scanning speed was 8° per minute and receiving slits were used in conjunction with a 0.3 mm scatter slit). The morphology of samples was measured with the Hitachi S-4800 cold field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM); resolution was 15 kV: 1.0 nm, 1 kV: 2.0 nm; accelerating voltage was 0.5 to 30 kV; magnification was 30 × 800000; cold field emission electron gun was used.


### 2.2. Synthesis

#### 2.2.1. Cobalt Sulfonated Phthalocyanine (CoSPc)

Cobalt sulfonated phthalocyanine was prepared according to the synthetic route (Figure1) with the microwave irradiation method. Cobalt phthalocyanine (1.0 g) and 10 mL of fuming sulfuric acid (25%) were added into a quartz tube with a magnetic stirring bar. Then the quartz tube was moved into the MW reactor, and the reaction parameters of time and temperature were set up. The reaction temperature was first raised to 50°C (T1) within 10 min and maintained for 10 min and was then raised to 120°C (T2) in 3 min and maintained for 1 min, followed by 150°C (T3) in 2 min and kept for 30 min (shown in Table 1). After reaction, the tube was cooled to room temperature. The reaction mixture was poured into ice water and the precipitate was filtered off, followed by a wash with ice water to neutrality. Then the received crystalline product was dried up under vacuum for 1 day to obtain the pure product. Yield: 0.811 g (81.1%). FT-IR, νmax (cm−1): 3450 (O–H), 1630 (C=C), 1520 (C=N), 1175, 1338 (O=S=O), 920 (Co-ligand), 745 (Pc ring), 638 (C–S). UV-Vis (in DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 660 (4.75). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 651.04 [M]; Found: 652.2 [M+H]+, 674.1 [M+Na]+, 690.1 [M+K]+.Table 1
Reaction temperature for the preparation of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals.
Sulfonated phthalocyanine metals
Temperature
T
1/°C
T
2/°C
T
3/°C
CoSPc
50
120
150
CuSPc
50
100
150
NiSPc
50
100
150
FeSPc
50
110
140
ZnSPc
50
110
140Figure 1
Synthetic route of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals via microwave-promoted procedure.


#### 2.2.2. Sulfonated Phthalocyanine Metals (Fe, Cu, Ni, and Zn)

The other sulfonated phthalocyanine metals (Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn) were all prepared in the same way (as shown in Figure1). The programmed reaction temperatures of the synthesis of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals were all listed in Table 1.FeSPc, Yield: 0.657 g (65.7%). FT-IR,νmax (cm−1): 3066 (Ar-H), 1608 (C=C), 1150, 1180, 1315, 1385 (O=S=O), 1482 (C=N), 740 (Pc ring), 650 (C–S). UV-Vis (DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 697 (4.21). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 648.04 [M]; Found: 647.3 [M]+.CuSPc, Yield: 0.764 g (76.4%). FT-IR,νmax (cm−1): 3440 (O–H), 1620 (C=C), 1505 (C=N), 1170, 1340 (O=S=O), 905 (Cu-ligand), 738 (Pc ring), 638 (C–S). UV-Vis (DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 671 (5.10). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 655.04 [M]; Found: 655.9 [M+H]+, 677.9 [M+Na]+.NiSPc, Yield: 0.743 g (74.3%). FT-IR,νmax (cm−1): 3440 (O–H), 1630 (C=C), 1470 (C=N), 1178, 1340 (O=S=O), 920 (Ni-ligand), 738 (Pc ring), 640 (C–S). UV-Vis (DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 666 (4.97). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 650.04 [M]; Found: 649.9 [M]+, 672.9 [M+Na]+.ZnSPc, Yield: 0.700 g (70.0%). FT-IR,νmax (cm−1): 3060 ν(Ar-H), 1610 (C=C), 1470 (C=N), 1180, 1310, 1380 (O=S=O), 720 (Pc ring), 658 (C–S). UV-Vis (DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 672 (4.73). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 656.04 [M]; Found: 679.9 [M+Na]+.


### 2.3. Dimerization Constant Measurements

Aggregation of MSPc would lead to deviation from Lambert-Beer law using UV-Vis spectroscopy; thus dimerization can be determined by measuring the relations of absorbance and concentration of MSPc in different solvents. The measurements were accomplished with reference to the method reported in previous work [9]. All of the sample solutions were freshly made and the absorbance was measured on the same day.


## 2.1. Materials and Equipment

All reagents and solvents were AR grade and obtained from the State Chemicals Corp. Synthesis of the five MSPc was performed on a NOVA-II microwave reactor with the output power being 500 W (PreeKem Scientific Instruments Co., Ltd.). FT-IR spectra were recorded on a Nicolet 6700 Fourier transform infrared (Thermo Scientific) spectrophotometer, and electronic spectra were recorded on a Hitachi U-3900H UV-Vis spectrophotometer using 1.0 cm cuvettes at room temperature. Mass spectra were performed on a BIFLEX III MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was obtained with an X’Pert Pro MPD diffractometer (Panalytical) employing Cu-Kα radiation (The scanning speed was 8° per minute and receiving slits were used in conjunction with a 0.3 mm scatter slit). The morphology of samples was measured with the Hitachi S-4800 cold field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM); resolution was 15 kV: 1.0 nm, 1 kV: 2.0 nm; accelerating voltage was 0.5 to 30 kV; magnification was 30 × 800000; cold field emission electron gun was used.


## 2.2. Synthesis

### 2.2.1. Cobalt Sulfonated Phthalocyanine (CoSPc)

Cobalt sulfonated phthalocyanine was prepared according to the synthetic route (Figure1) with the microwave irradiation method. Cobalt phthalocyanine (1.0 g) and 10 mL of fuming sulfuric acid (25%) were added into a quartz tube with a magnetic stirring bar. Then the quartz tube was moved into the MW reactor, and the reaction parameters of time and temperature were set up. The reaction temperature was first raised to 50°C (T1) within 10 min and maintained for 10 min and was then raised to 120°C (T2) in 3 min and maintained for 1 min, followed by 150°C (T3) in 2 min and kept for 30 min (shown in Table 1). After reaction, the tube was cooled to room temperature. The reaction mixture was poured into ice water and the precipitate was filtered off, followed by a wash with ice water to neutrality. Then the received crystalline product was dried up under vacuum for 1 day to obtain the pure product. Yield: 0.811 g (81.1%). FT-IR, νmax (cm−1): 3450 (O–H), 1630 (C=C), 1520 (C=N), 1175, 1338 (O=S=O), 920 (Co-ligand), 745 (Pc ring), 638 (C–S). UV-Vis (in DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 660 (4.75). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 651.04 [M]; Found: 652.2 [M+H]+, 674.1 [M+Na]+, 690.1 [M+K]+.Table 1
Reaction temperature for the preparation of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals.
Sulfonated phthalocyanine metals
Temperature
T
1/°C
T
2/°C
T
3/°C
CoSPc
50
120
150
CuSPc
50
100
150
NiSPc
50
100
150
FeSPc
50
110
140
ZnSPc
50
110
140Figure 1
Synthetic route of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals via microwave-promoted procedure.


### 2.2.2. Sulfonated Phthalocyanine Metals (Fe, Cu, Ni, and Zn)

The other sulfonated phthalocyanine metals (Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn) were all prepared in the same way (as shown in Figure1). The programmed reaction temperatures of the synthesis of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals were all listed in Table 1.FeSPc, Yield: 0.657 g (65.7%). FT-IR,νmax (cm−1): 3066 (Ar-H), 1608 (C=C), 1150, 1180, 1315, 1385 (O=S=O), 1482 (C=N), 740 (Pc ring), 650 (C–S). UV-Vis (DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 697 (4.21). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 648.04 [M]; Found: 647.3 [M]+.CuSPc, Yield: 0.764 g (76.4%). FT-IR,νmax (cm−1): 3440 (O–H), 1620 (C=C), 1505 (C=N), 1170, 1340 (O=S=O), 905 (Cu-ligand), 738 (Pc ring), 638 (C–S). UV-Vis (DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 671 (5.10). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 655.04 [M]; Found: 655.9 [M+H]+, 677.9 [M+Na]+.NiSPc, Yield: 0.743 g (74.3%). FT-IR,νmax (cm−1): 3440 (O–H), 1630 (C=C), 1470 (C=N), 1178, 1340 (O=S=O), 920 (Ni-ligand), 738 (Pc ring), 640 (C–S). UV-Vis (DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 666 (4.97). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 650.04 [M]; Found: 649.9 [M]+, 672.9 [M+Na]+.ZnSPc, Yield: 0.700 g (70.0%). FT-IR,νmax (cm−1): 3060 ν(Ar-H), 1610 (C=C), 1470 (C=N), 1180, 1310, 1380 (O=S=O), 720 (Pc ring), 658 (C–S). UV-Vis (DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 672 (4.73). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 656.04 [M]; Found: 679.9 [M+Na]+.


## 2.2.1. Cobalt Sulfonated Phthalocyanine (CoSPc)

Cobalt sulfonated phthalocyanine was prepared according to the synthetic route (Figure1) with the microwave irradiation method. Cobalt phthalocyanine (1.0 g) and 10 mL of fuming sulfuric acid (25%) were added into a quartz tube with a magnetic stirring bar. Then the quartz tube was moved into the MW reactor, and the reaction parameters of time and temperature were set up. The reaction temperature was first raised to 50°C (T1) within 10 min and maintained for 10 min and was then raised to 120°C (T2) in 3 min and maintained for 1 min, followed by 150°C (T3) in 2 min and kept for 30 min (shown in Table 1). After reaction, the tube was cooled to room temperature. The reaction mixture was poured into ice water and the precipitate was filtered off, followed by a wash with ice water to neutrality. Then the received crystalline product was dried up under vacuum for 1 day to obtain the pure product. Yield: 0.811 g (81.1%). FT-IR, νmax (cm−1): 3450 (O–H), 1630 (C=C), 1520 (C=N), 1175, 1338 (O=S=O), 920 (Co-ligand), 745 (Pc ring), 638 (C–S). UV-Vis (in DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 660 (4.75). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 651.04 [M]; Found: 652.2 [M+H]+, 674.1 [M+Na]+, 690.1 [M+K]+.Table 1
Reaction temperature for the preparation of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals.
Sulfonated phthalocyanine metals
Temperature
T
1/°C
T
2/°C
T
3/°C
CoSPc
50
120
150
CuSPc
50
100
150
NiSPc
50
100
150
FeSPc
50
110
140
ZnSPc
50
110
140Figure 1
Synthetic route of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals via microwave-promoted procedure.


## 2.2.2. Sulfonated Phthalocyanine Metals (Fe, Cu, Ni, and Zn)

The other sulfonated phthalocyanine metals (Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn) were all prepared in the same way (as shown in Figure1). The programmed reaction temperatures of the synthesis of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals were all listed in Table 1.FeSPc, Yield: 0.657 g (65.7%). FT-IR,νmax (cm−1): 3066 (Ar-H), 1608 (C=C), 1150, 1180, 1315, 1385 (O=S=O), 1482 (C=N), 740 (Pc ring), 650 (C–S). UV-Vis (DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 697 (4.21). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 648.04 [M]; Found: 647.3 [M]+.CuSPc, Yield: 0.764 g (76.4%). FT-IR,νmax (cm−1): 3440 (O–H), 1620 (C=C), 1505 (C=N), 1170, 1340 (O=S=O), 905 (Cu-ligand), 738 (Pc ring), 638 (C–S). UV-Vis (DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 671 (5.10). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 655.04 [M]; Found: 655.9 [M+H]+, 677.9 [M+Na]+.NiSPc, Yield: 0.743 g (74.3%). FT-IR,νmax (cm−1): 3440 (O–H), 1630 (C=C), 1470 (C=N), 1178, 1340 (O=S=O), 920 (Ni-ligand), 738 (Pc ring), 640 (C–S). UV-Vis (DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 666 (4.97). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 650.04 [M]; Found: 649.9 [M]+, 672.9 [M+Na]+.ZnSPc, Yield: 0.700 g (70.0%). FT-IR,νmax (cm−1): 3060 ν(Ar-H), 1610 (C=C), 1470 (C=N), 1180, 1310, 1380 (O=S=O), 720 (Pc ring), 658 (C–S). UV-Vis (DMF), λmax, nm (log⁡ε): 672 (4.73). MALDI-TOF MS, Calculated: 656.04 [M]; Found: 679.9 [M+Na]+.


## 2.3. Dimerization Constant Measurements

Aggregation of MSPc would lead to deviation from Lambert-Beer law using UV-Vis spectroscopy; thus dimerization can be determined by measuring the relations of absorbance and concentration of MSPc in different solvents. The measurements were accomplished with reference to the method reported in previous work [9]. All of the sample solutions were freshly made and the absorbance was measured on the same day.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Synthesis and Characterization

The sulfonated metallophthalocyanines were synthesized by microwave heating with shorter reaction time which could help to control the number of sulfonic groups in the Pc ring. However, the conventional synthesis of MSPc not only employed a longer reaction time (as long as 6 h) but also employed more dangerous feed (such as chlorosulfonic acid), leading to the uncertainty of the numbers of the sulfonic groups in the Pc ring and the impurity of the product [10, 11]. The products synthesized using microwave mainly included one sulfonic group in the Pc ring, which were proved by MS and XRD measurements. The improved methods including temperature programmed and shorter reaction time were responsible for the pure product with a higher yield. The characterization of the synthesized products involved a combination of spectroscopic measurement (UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, and mass spectroscopy) and morphology analysis.By checking FT-IR spectra, a strong absorption peak appears near 3400 cm−1, which is due to the O–H stretching vibration of sulfonic group. Conjugated C=C and C=N bonds have relatively similar bond lengths, so the stretching vibration of C=C and C=N appears at around 1600 cm−1 and 1500 cm−1 [12–14]. In addition, indicative peaks appearing in the range of 1190–1120 cm−1, 1390–1290 cm−1 were assigned to O=S=O stretching vibration, and 710–745 cm−1 to the vibration of Pc rings. In the mass spectra of the five compounds, the presence of the characteristic molecular ion peaks at m/z 655.9 [M+H]+, 677.9 [M+Na]+ for CuSPc and 649.9 [M]+, 672.9 [M+Na]+ for NiSPc confirmed the target structures. And molecular ion peaks are observed at m/z 652.2 [M+H]+ for CoSPc, 647.3 [M]+ for the sodium salt of FeSPc, and 679.9 [M+Na]+ for the sodium salt of ZnSPc.Figure2 shows the XRD patterns of the sulfonated phthalocyanine metals. Apart from the XRD spectrum of ZnSPc which has mixed peaks, the spectra of other four compounds present intense singlet form. The difference can be explained by the crystallinity of the sulfonated phthalocyanine metals. The spikes of the XRD spectra for ZnSPc indicate its high crystallinity, while the crystallinities of the other four sulfonated phthalocyanine metals are relatively low. The XRD spectra of the five sulfonated phthalocyanine metals suggest that the products synthesized were pure sulfonated phthalocyanine metals with one sulfonic group.Figure 2
XRD patterns of the sulfonated phthalocyanine metals.In the SEM micrographs of the five compounds (Figure3), the absence of flocculent and amorphous structure indicates that the synthesized sulfonated phthalocyanine metals had high crystallinity, which is consistent with the results obtained from XRD patterns. Crystal morphology analysis from Figure 3 shows that CoSPc and CuSPc particles have similar size range, and FeSPc has smaller size crystal. In NiSPc appears some crystal grain accumulation, and ZnSPc exhibits different rod-like morphology with varying lengths and thickness. The elongated rod-like structure was attributed to the π-π interaction between molecules, leading to the formation of stacked layers of Pc plane.Figure 3
The electron micrographs of the five sulfonated phthalocyanine metals.


### 3.2. Electronic Absorption Spectra

In general, the typical electronic spectra of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals exhibit two strong absorption regions: B band (300–400 nm) in the ultraviolet region and Q band (600–700 nm) in the visible region, both of which are correlated with theπ-π∗ transitions [15, 16]. The characteristic Q band of sulfonated metallophthalocyanines was observed as an intense singlet in the visible region of the electronic spectrum. The UV-Vis spectra of the studied sulfonated phthalocyanine metals in DMF were shown in Figure 4, and their characteristic bands were listed in Table 2. Q bands (λmax) of the five compounds (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Fe) at 660, 666, 671, 672, and 697 nm are in singlet forms with shoulders at 599, 600, 604, and 606 nm, respectively, except for FeSPc. Also, CuSPc has the highest extinction coefficient (log⁡ε) at Q band region. Comparing to the absorption band of CoSPc, significant redshifts in Q band were observed for NiSPc, CuSPc, ZnSPc, and FeSPc. The central metals significantly affect the Q band of the sulfonated phthalocyanine metals when the phthalocyanines are bonding with transition metals. The redshift increases as the increasing of atomic number of the central metal. In this study, the redshift increases in the order: Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, except for the aggregated FeSPc.Table 2
Absorption spectral data for sulfonated phthalocyanine metals in DMF (c=2×10-5 M).
Compound
Q bandλmax⁡, (nm)
log
⁡
ε
CoSPc
660
4.75
CuSPc
671
5.10
FeSPc
697
3.76
ZnSPc
672
4.73
NiSPc
666
4.97Figure 4
Absorption spectra of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals in DMF (2 × 10−5 M).


### 3.3. Aggregation Equilibrium Constant

Many literatures have reported that phthalocyanines tend to aggregate, especially in polar solvents [17–19]. In this study, the aggregation equilibrium constants of CoSPc and the other four MSPc in DMF and in 5% NaOH solution with the concentration range from 6.00 × 10−6 to 3.00 × 10−5 M were investigated, respectively.Figures5 and 6 are the absorbance of cobalt sulfonated phthalocyanine in DMF and in 5% NaOH solution at different wavelengths separately. The inset is the relationship between the absorbance at maximum absorption wavelength and the concentration of CoSPc. It can be seen from the inset in Figures 5 and 6 that, at lower concentration of CoSPc, the Lambert-Beer law was obeyed in DMF in the concentration range from 6 × 10−6 to 1.4 × 10−5 M and in 5% NaOH solution ranging from 2 × 10−6 to 1.5 × 10−5 M. This finding indicated that CoSPc was mainly monomer with no dimerization in the solution of concentration below 1.4 × 10−5 M in DMF and concentration below 1.5 × 10−5 M in 5% NaOH solution. At higher concentration of CoSPc in solvents, Lambert-Beer law was not obeyed, and redshifts of the Q band absorption were observed with increasing the concentration of CoSPc both in DMF and in sodium hydroxide solution, which was considered to be caused by dimerization of metal phthalocyanine [20]. Also, the dimerization became stronger with increase in the concentration of CoSPc in the solvents [9].Figure 5
Absorbance of cobalt sulfonated phthalocyanine in DMF. (The inset is the relationship between the absorbance at maximum absorption wavelength and the concentration.)Figure 6
Absorbance of cobalt sulfonated phthalocyanine in 5% sodium hydroxide solution. (The inset is the relationship between the absorbance at maximum absorption wavelength and the concentration.)The dimerization equilibrium constantK could be calculated for sulfonated phthalocyanine metals according to literature [9] by plotting the ε~ε2 [M]0 curves (ε represents the absorption coefficient and [M]0 represents the initial concentration of MSPc), and the results were listed in Table 3. It can be seen from Table 3 that the aggregation equilibrium constant K of CuSPc (KCuSPc) was significantly greater than that of FeSPc (KFeSPc) in DMF, while KFeSPc was slightly higher than KCuSPc in 5% sodium hydroxide solution. The aggregation equilibrium constants of NiSPc and CoSPc were quantitatively similar both in DMF and in 5% sodium hydroxide solution. Generally, the aggregation equilibrium constants of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals in DMF were greater than those in 5% sodium hydroxide solution except FeSPc. The effects of aprotic solvents on the aggregation varied with the central metals, and the relations between aggregation and the polarity of aprotic solvents were not obvious in this study. However, it was reported that in polar protic solvent [21], such as in H2O, CH3OH, the aggregation tendency of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals becomes stronger with increasing the polarity of solvents.Table 3
Aggregation equilibrium constantK of the five sulfonated phthalocyanine metals (30°C).
Sulfonated phthalocyanine metals
K in solution of DMF/mol−1·L
K in solution of 5% sodium hydroxide/mol−1·L
CoSPc
6.16 × 103
2.62 × 103
ZnSPc
4.72 × 103
1.79 × 103
CuSPc
1.50 × 104
2.79 × 102
FeSPc
6.45 × 102
1.51 × 103
NiSPc
7.10 × 103
2.39 × 103


## 3.1. Synthesis and Characterization

The sulfonated metallophthalocyanines were synthesized by microwave heating with shorter reaction time which could help to control the number of sulfonic groups in the Pc ring. However, the conventional synthesis of MSPc not only employed a longer reaction time (as long as 6 h) but also employed more dangerous feed (such as chlorosulfonic acid), leading to the uncertainty of the numbers of the sulfonic groups in the Pc ring and the impurity of the product [10, 11]. The products synthesized using microwave mainly included one sulfonic group in the Pc ring, which were proved by MS and XRD measurements. The improved methods including temperature programmed and shorter reaction time were responsible for the pure product with a higher yield. The characterization of the synthesized products involved a combination of spectroscopic measurement (UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, and mass spectroscopy) and morphology analysis.By checking FT-IR spectra, a strong absorption peak appears near 3400 cm−1, which is due to the O–H stretching vibration of sulfonic group. Conjugated C=C and C=N bonds have relatively similar bond lengths, so the stretching vibration of C=C and C=N appears at around 1600 cm−1 and 1500 cm−1 [12–14]. In addition, indicative peaks appearing in the range of 1190–1120 cm−1, 1390–1290 cm−1 were assigned to O=S=O stretching vibration, and 710–745 cm−1 to the vibration of Pc rings. In the mass spectra of the five compounds, the presence of the characteristic molecular ion peaks at m/z 655.9 [M+H]+, 677.9 [M+Na]+ for CuSPc and 649.9 [M]+, 672.9 [M+Na]+ for NiSPc confirmed the target structures. And molecular ion peaks are observed at m/z 652.2 [M+H]+ for CoSPc, 647.3 [M]+ for the sodium salt of FeSPc, and 679.9 [M+Na]+ for the sodium salt of ZnSPc.Figure2 shows the XRD patterns of the sulfonated phthalocyanine metals. Apart from the XRD spectrum of ZnSPc which has mixed peaks, the spectra of other four compounds present intense singlet form. The difference can be explained by the crystallinity of the sulfonated phthalocyanine metals. The spikes of the XRD spectra for ZnSPc indicate its high crystallinity, while the crystallinities of the other four sulfonated phthalocyanine metals are relatively low. The XRD spectra of the five sulfonated phthalocyanine metals suggest that the products synthesized were pure sulfonated phthalocyanine metals with one sulfonic group.Figure 2
XRD patterns of the sulfonated phthalocyanine metals.In the SEM micrographs of the five compounds (Figure3), the absence of flocculent and amorphous structure indicates that the synthesized sulfonated phthalocyanine metals had high crystallinity, which is consistent with the results obtained from XRD patterns. Crystal morphology analysis from Figure 3 shows that CoSPc and CuSPc particles have similar size range, and FeSPc has smaller size crystal. In NiSPc appears some crystal grain accumulation, and ZnSPc exhibits different rod-like morphology with varying lengths and thickness. The elongated rod-like structure was attributed to the π-π interaction between molecules, leading to the formation of stacked layers of Pc plane.Figure 3
The electron micrographs of the five sulfonated phthalocyanine metals.


## 3.2. Electronic Absorption Spectra

In general, the typical electronic spectra of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals exhibit two strong absorption regions: B band (300–400 nm) in the ultraviolet region and Q band (600–700 nm) in the visible region, both of which are correlated with theπ-π∗ transitions [15, 16]. The characteristic Q band of sulfonated metallophthalocyanines was observed as an intense singlet in the visible region of the electronic spectrum. The UV-Vis spectra of the studied sulfonated phthalocyanine metals in DMF were shown in Figure 4, and their characteristic bands were listed in Table 2. Q bands (λmax) of the five compounds (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Fe) at 660, 666, 671, 672, and 697 nm are in singlet forms with shoulders at 599, 600, 604, and 606 nm, respectively, except for FeSPc. Also, CuSPc has the highest extinction coefficient (log⁡ε) at Q band region. Comparing to the absorption band of CoSPc, significant redshifts in Q band were observed for NiSPc, CuSPc, ZnSPc, and FeSPc. The central metals significantly affect the Q band of the sulfonated phthalocyanine metals when the phthalocyanines are bonding with transition metals. The redshift increases as the increasing of atomic number of the central metal. In this study, the redshift increases in the order: Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, except for the aggregated FeSPc.Table 2
Absorption spectral data for sulfonated phthalocyanine metals in DMF (c=2×10-5 M).
Compound
Q bandλmax⁡, (nm)
log
⁡
ε
CoSPc
660
4.75
CuSPc
671
5.10
FeSPc
697
3.76
ZnSPc
672
4.73
NiSPc
666
4.97Figure 4
Absorption spectra of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals in DMF (2 × 10−5 M).


## 3.3. Aggregation Equilibrium Constant

Many literatures have reported that phthalocyanines tend to aggregate, especially in polar solvents [17–19]. In this study, the aggregation equilibrium constants of CoSPc and the other four MSPc in DMF and in 5% NaOH solution with the concentration range from 6.00 × 10−6 to 3.00 × 10−5 M were investigated, respectively.Figures5 and 6 are the absorbance of cobalt sulfonated phthalocyanine in DMF and in 5% NaOH solution at different wavelengths separately. The inset is the relationship between the absorbance at maximum absorption wavelength and the concentration of CoSPc. It can be seen from the inset in Figures 5 and 6 that, at lower concentration of CoSPc, the Lambert-Beer law was obeyed in DMF in the concentration range from 6 × 10−6 to 1.4 × 10−5 M and in 5% NaOH solution ranging from 2 × 10−6 to 1.5 × 10−5 M. This finding indicated that CoSPc was mainly monomer with no dimerization in the solution of concentration below 1.4 × 10−5 M in DMF and concentration below 1.5 × 10−5 M in 5% NaOH solution. At higher concentration of CoSPc in solvents, Lambert-Beer law was not obeyed, and redshifts of the Q band absorption were observed with increasing the concentration of CoSPc both in DMF and in sodium hydroxide solution, which was considered to be caused by dimerization of metal phthalocyanine [20]. Also, the dimerization became stronger with increase in the concentration of CoSPc in the solvents [9].Figure 5
Absorbance of cobalt sulfonated phthalocyanine in DMF. (The inset is the relationship between the absorbance at maximum absorption wavelength and the concentration.)Figure 6
Absorbance of cobalt sulfonated phthalocyanine in 5% sodium hydroxide solution. (The inset is the relationship between the absorbance at maximum absorption wavelength and the concentration.)The dimerization equilibrium constantK could be calculated for sulfonated phthalocyanine metals according to literature [9] by plotting the ε~ε2 [M]0 curves (ε represents the absorption coefficient and [M]0 represents the initial concentration of MSPc), and the results were listed in Table 3. It can be seen from Table 3 that the aggregation equilibrium constant K of CuSPc (KCuSPc) was significantly greater than that of FeSPc (KFeSPc) in DMF, while KFeSPc was slightly higher than KCuSPc in 5% sodium hydroxide solution. The aggregation equilibrium constants of NiSPc and CoSPc were quantitatively similar both in DMF and in 5% sodium hydroxide solution. Generally, the aggregation equilibrium constants of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals in DMF were greater than those in 5% sodium hydroxide solution except FeSPc. The effects of aprotic solvents on the aggregation varied with the central metals, and the relations between aggregation and the polarity of aprotic solvents were not obvious in this study. However, it was reported that in polar protic solvent [21], such as in H2O, CH3OH, the aggregation tendency of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals becomes stronger with increasing the polarity of solvents.Table 3
Aggregation equilibrium constantK of the five sulfonated phthalocyanine metals (30°C).
Sulfonated phthalocyanine metals
K in solution of DMF/mol−1·L
K in solution of 5% sodium hydroxide/mol−1·L
CoSPc
6.16 × 103
2.62 × 103
ZnSPc
4.72 × 103
1.79 × 103
CuSPc
1.50 × 104
2.79 × 102
FeSPc
6.45 × 102
1.51 × 103
NiSPc
7.10 × 103
2.39 × 103


## 4. Conclusions

Microwave-promoted synthesis of five sulfonated metallophthalocyanines had been accomplished successfully with short reaction time and one sulfonic group in the Pc ring. It was found that CoSPc was mainly monomer with no dimerization in the solution of concentration below 1.4 × 10−5 M in DMF and concentration below 1.5 × 10−5 M in 5% NaOH solution. At higher concentration of CoSPc in solvents, the disobeyed Lambert-Beer law and redshifts of the Q band absorption were observed. The aggregation equilibrium constants of the five synthesized sulfonated metallophthalocyanines were measured in DMF and in 5% NaOH solution. The aggregation equilibrium constants of sulfonated phthalocyanine metals in DMF were greater than those in 5% sodium hydroxide solution except FeSPc.



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