Phthalocyanine Synthesis in Ionic Liquids: Preparation of Differently Substituted Phthalocyanines in Tetrabutylammonium Bromide

A series of alkylthio, alkoxy, and phenoxy phthalonitriles have been prepared by nucleophilic substitution reactions on suitable phthalonitrile precursors in molten tetrabutylammonium bromide. This readily available and inexpensive ionic liquid can also be used as a medium for the cyclization of these dinitriles giving the corresponding substituted phthalocyanines.