Zinc phthalocyanine
[CAS# 14320-04-8]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Organometallic compound >> Organic zinc
• Name: Zinc phthalocyanine
• Synonyms: [29H,31H-Phthalocyaninato(2-)-N29,N30,N31,N32]zinc
• Molecular Formula: C₃₂H₁₆N₈Zn
• Molecular Weight: 577.93
• CAS Registry Number: 14320-04-8
• EC Number: 238-262-5
• SMILES: C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C3=NC4=NC(=NC5=C6C=CC=CC6=C([N-]5)N=C7C8=CC=CC=C8C(=N7)N=C2[N-]3)C9=CC=CC=C94.[Zn+2]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H302-H315-H319-H335
• Precautionary Statements: P261-P280-P301+P312-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338

Discovory and Applicatios

Zinc phthalocyanine is a synthetic compound that belongs to the family of phthalocyanine dyes, which are known for their intense color and high stability. This compound is characterized by a central zinc ion coordinated to a large, planar organic molecule made up of four isoindole units. Zinc phthalocyanine has been extensively studied due to its unique electronic and optical properties, making it an important material in a range of applications, including photovoltaics, photodynamic therapy, and dye-sensitized solar cells.

The discovery of phthalocyanines dates back to the 19th century when they were first synthesized as dyes. Zinc phthalocyanine was subsequently developed as part of the ongoing effort to improve the performance and versatility of these materials. The compound gained attention due to its ability to absorb light in the visible region of the spectrum, which makes it useful in various optical applications. Zinc phthalocyanine, like other phthalocyanines, exhibits strong light absorption properties, high chemical stability, and resistance to photodegradation, which are key features for many of its practical uses.

One of the primary applications of zinc phthalocyanine is in organic photovoltaic devices. In these devices, zinc phthalocyanine functions as a light-absorbing material that helps convert sunlight into electrical energy. The compound’s high absorption coefficient and favorable electronic properties, including its ability to act as a donor material in organic solar cells, make it a promising candidate for use in thin-film solar technologies. Zinc phthalocyanine-based solar cells have shown potential for achieving high power conversion efficiencies, and ongoing research continues to optimize these devices for commercial use.

Another important application of zinc phthalocyanine is in photodynamic therapy (PDT), a treatment method used to destroy cancerous cells. In PDT, zinc phthalocyanine acts as a photosensitizer, absorbing light and transferring the energy to surrounding oxygen molecules, thereby generating reactive oxygen species that can damage or kill nearby cancer cells. The compound’s ability to selectively accumulate in tumor tissue, coupled with its efficient light absorption properties, makes it an effective agent in targeted cancer therapies. Zinc phthalocyanine has been investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of various cancers, including skin cancer and certain types of internal tumors.

Zinc phthalocyanine is also used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which are a type of third-generation solar cell. In DSSCs, zinc phthalocyanine is used as a dye that absorbs sunlight and facilitates electron transfer, contributing to the generation of electricity. These cells are considered more affordable and easier to manufacture than traditional silicon-based solar cells, and the use of zinc phthalocyanine can help improve their performance. The compound’s high thermal stability and solubility in various solvents make it suitable for the production of DSSCs through solution-based processes.

In addition to its applications in photovoltaics and medical therapy, zinc phthalocyanine is also utilized as a pigment in inks, paints, and coatings. Its vibrant blue color, combined with its stability and resistance to fading, makes it a popular choice for use in the textile, printing, and automotive industries. Zinc phthalocyanine is also being explored for use in electrochemical devices and sensors due to its good conductivity and ability to undergo reversible electrochemical reactions.

Despite its many applications, challenges remain in the large-scale production and commercial use of zinc phthalocyanine. Efforts to reduce production costs and enhance the efficiency of devices incorporating this compound continue to be a focus of research. As advancements are made in materials science and manufacturing techniques, it is likely that zinc phthalocyanine will play an increasingly important role in renewable energy, medicine, and other high-tech industries.

References

2024. Self-assembled matrine-PROTAC encapsulating zinc(II) phthalocyanine with GSH-depletion-enhanced ROS generation for cancer therapy. Molecules, 29(8).
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081845

2024. Enhancing antitumor efficacy of NIR-I region zinc phthalocyanine@upconversion nanoparticle through lysosomal escape and mitochondria targeting. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 256.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.112923

2024. Antitumor effect of nanophotothermolysis mediated by zinc phthalocyanine particles. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine, 59.
DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2024.102768