Introduction to Phthalocyanine Dyes and Selection: From Classic Blue/Green Pigments to Designable Functional Molecules (Including an Application Map and Aggregation Troubleshooting)
Introduction to Phthalocyanine Dyes and Selection: From Classic Blue/Green Pigments to Designable Functional Molecules (Including an Application Map and Aggregation Troubleshooting)
What are phthalocyanines?
Phthalocyanines (Pc, phthalocyanine) are a class of macrocyclic, highly conjugated molecules. You can think of Pc as an exceptionally stable “conjugated macrocycle disk”: the periphery can be decorated with different substituents, and a metal can be inserted at the center to form a metal phthalocyanine (MPc, metal phthalocyanine). This structural platform brings two major advantages:
1. Strong color strength: Pc typically shows intense absorption in the visible region (the characteristic Q band is commonly around 600–700 nm), which is why Pc blues and greens look especially “deep” and “hard.”
2. High tunability: The central metal, peripheral substitution, and (for certain metals) axial coordination can systematically tune solubility, aggregation behavior, energy levels, and chemical/reactive properties.
Quick glossary (terms at a glance)
Term | One-line explanation | Notes |
Pc (phthalocyanine) | A classic macrocyclic conjugated chromophore | Strong visible absorption; highly stable framework |
MPc (metal phthalocyanine) | Pc with a metal inserted at the center | The metal largely determines redox behavior / catalysis / energy levels |
Nc (naphthalocyanine) | A more “expanded” conjugated Pc family | More red-shifted absorption; often enters the NIR (700–900 nm) |
SubPc (subphthalocyanine) | A “smaller / different skeleton” analogue | Common in organic optoelectronics (donor/acceptor, emission-related) |
Q band (visible to NIR) / Soret band (UV/near-UV) | Two characteristic absorption bands of Pc/Nc | Q band is more critical (color/optoelectronics/photosensitization core); Pc often at 600–700 nm |
Axial coordination / axial substitution | Some centers (e.g., Al/Ga/In/Sn/Ti/Si) can bind “axial groups” above/below the macrocycle | A key entry point for post-functionalization |
Note: The wavelength ranges above are typical references for monomeric species in solution. In thin films, different crystal forms, or aggregated states, peak positions and band shapes can change substantially, and even broader long-wavelength absorption may appear.
A “simple-to-grasp framework”: Pc properties are governed by three structural knobs
Knob A: Which central metal?
1. Cu/Zn: Common “general-purpose chromophore / thin-film material” workhorses
2. Fe/Co/Mn: More oriented toward redox activity and catalysis/sensing models
3. Heavy metals: May introduce stronger spin–orbit coupling, but require more caution in research practice and compliance management
Knob B: What peripheral substituents? (Solubility / aggregation / fine tuning of absorption)
1. Long-chain alkoxy/phenoxy/tert-butyl: Often used to enhance solubility, suppress aggregation, and facilitate solution processing into films
2. Reactive handles (e.g., –NH₂): More like “platform precursors” for coupling/grafting
Knob C: Can the axial site be modified? (Post-functionalization / targeting / assembly)
1. AlPcCl, GaPcCl, InPcCl, SnPcCl₂, TiPcCl₂, SiPcCl₂ / SiPc(OH)₂: Often serve as entry points where axial positions can be further substituted/derivatized
Dye vs. pigment: same phthalocyanine core, completely different usage logic
Core dividing line: Solubility + how color is produced (molecular state vs. particulate state)
Comparison dimension (core difference) | Dye | Pigment |
State in the application system (most critical) | Soluble: exists as molecules or ions in water/organic solvents | Essentially insoluble: dispersed as solid microparticles in resins/media |
Coloration/adhesion mechanism | Molecular absorption + affinity/binding to the substrate (penetration into fibers, ionic/covalent bonding, etc.) | Particle absorption + scattering; color relies on stable dispersion in coatings/plastics |
Typical application scenarios (process perspective) | Textile/paper dyeing; aqueous/solution labeling and spectroscopy | Coatings, inks, plastics coloration (“color by mixing into the matrix”) |
Key metrics most often checked in selection | Solubility; ionic character/hydrophilicity; dyeing/binding mode; wash fastness/migration resistance; in research also aggregation and spectral stability | Particle size & distribution; crystal form; dispersibility/anti-flocculation; weather/heat/chemical resistance; surface treatment & resin compatibility |
Most common failure modes | Won’t dissolve; aggregation broadens bands and weakens fluorescence; weak binding to substrate | Sedimentation/flocculation; floating/flooding and mottling; hiding power/hue drift; insufficient weathering resistance |
Notes:
1. Many industrial phthalocyanines are classic pigments. For example, Pigment Green 7 (PG7) is often labeled in databases as polychlorinated copper phthalocyanine.
2. Phthalocyanines can also be “converted” into more dye-like/functional-molecule usage modes—especially in research and biological systems—via sulfonation (water solubility), introduction of ionic groups, and/or axial functionalization (e.g., SiPc, AlPcCl).
Family overview table
Family | Structural features | Typical advantages | Common research applications | Selection keywords |
Base metal phthalocyanines / parent cores (CuPc/ZnPc/CoPc/FePc…) | The most classic Pc/MPc framework | Mature, stable, easy as benchmark controls | Spectroscopy/electrochemistry; evaporation or thin-film device benchmarks | Use as control; get the system working first |
Substituted Pc (solubilization / anti-aggregation / solution processing) | Long-chain or sterically bulky substituents on the periphery | Higher organic solubility/dispersion; improved film formation and controllable aggregation | Solution-processed films, devices, photosensitive materials | Solubility/dispersion; aggregation; film formation |
Substituted Pc (functionalizable / coupling precursors) | Reactive handles such as –NH₂/–OH | Easy post-modification: grafting, coupling, surface functionalization | Bioconjugation, surface modification, polymer grafting | I need a post-functionalization handle |
Fluorinated Pc | Peripheral F substitution | Often used to lower energy levels, improve oxidative stability, and alter aggregation/morphology | Energy-level tuning; device stability & morphology studies | Energy levels; stability; morphology |
Sulfonated Pc (water-soluble) | Sulfonic acid/sulfonate salts (ionic) | Enables use in aqueous systems | Aqueous sensing, electrochemistry, biological staining/labeling | Aggregation control; salt sensitivity/ionic strength |
Metal Pc chlorides / axial precursors (M–Cl) | Axial Cl site (often for higher-valent centers) | Axial substitution/coordination → convenient for post-functionalization & assembly | Axial substitution, assembly, photosensitization/targeting, interface engineering | Axial modifiability; controllable coordination |
Silicon phthalocyanines (SiPc) | Si(IV) often has two axial sites (–Cl/–OH/–OR, etc.) | Large axial-chemistry space; convenient for building functional molecules | Photosensitization/labeling; material functionalization & assembly | Axial –Cl/–OH; derivatizable |
Naphthalocyanines (Nc, NIR) | Conjugation-expanded Pc skeleton | Red-shifted absorption; stronger NIR absorption | NIR devices; photoacoustic/photothermal; imaging | Nc strong absorption typically falls in the NIR (common main peak ~750–800 nm; depending on system and morphology it can extend to longer wavelengths). Aggregation control |
SubPc | “Sub-/different” skeleton distinct from Pc (often boron SubPc) | Common in organic optoelectronics; properties are tunable | OLED/OPV; self-assembly and interface studies | Emission/absorption; energy levels; morphology |
Pc salts (Pc²⁻ alkali-metal salts) | Deprotonated Pc²⁻ dianion salts (commonly used as precursors for metal insertion/derivatization or as electrochemical models) (e.g., disodium/dilithium) | Can serve as intermediates/electrochemical models or starting points for further functionalization | Electrochemistry; coordination/metalation precursors; derivatization | Reaction intermediates; reduced-state models |
Poly-phthalocyanines / polymers (Poly-Pc) | Polymerized or networked Pc materials | Heat/chemical resistance; stable material form factors | Functional coatings; composites; conductive/electrode-related research | Material form; stability; processability |
Abbreviations
1. Pc: Phthalocyanine
2. MPc: Metal phthalocyanine (;M = Cu/Zn/Co/Fe…)
3. CuPc/ZnPc/CoPc/FePc: copper/zinc/cobalt/iron phthalocyanine
4. Nc: Naphthalocyanine (conjugation-expanded, more red-shifted absorption)
5. SubPc: Subphthalocyanine (commonly boron SubPc)
6. NIR: Near-infrared
Selection at a Glance — Decision Tree
What are you trying to do?
A. Industrial coloration (coatings / inks / plastics)
→ Priority: classic phthalocyanine pigments
(focus on: dispersion / particle size / crystal form / weather resistance)
B. Functional materials for research (optoelectronics / catalysis / sensing / bio)
1) Where do you need absorption?
Visible (~600–700 nm; typical Q band)
→ Priority: Pc / MPc (phthalocyanines / metal phthalocyanines)
Near-infrared (~700–900 nm)
→ Priority: Nc (naphthalocyanines; more red-shifted absorption)
2) In what medium/system?
Aqueous phase (buffers / water-soluble systems)
→ Priority: sulfonated phthalocyanines (or other water-enabling designs)
Note: aggregation control is often the key
(ionic strength/salinity, concentration, co-solvents,
surfactants, carriers, etc.)
Organic phase / solution processing (solution-cast films, device thin films)
Priority: solubilized / anti-aggregation substituted Pc / Nc
3) Do you need post-functionalization (grafting / coupling / targeting / assembly)?
Yes
→ Prioritize “modifiable entry points”:
(1) Axial precursors (e.g., M–Cl)
(2) SiPc (axial –Cl/–OH can be further derivatized)
(3) Functionalized precursors with reactive handles (e.g., –NH2, –OH)
No (get the system working first / use as a benchmark)
→ Priority: basic parent MPc, or conventional substituted Pc / Nc
4) What is the primary function you care about?
Optoelectronic devices / thin-film materials (OPV/OLED/detectors/OFET, etc.)
→ Emphasis: solubility/dispersion + film morphology + energy-level matching
Options: substitution (morphology/aggregation/solubility)
± fluorination (energy levels/stability/morphology)
Catalysis / sensing / redox mechanism studies
→ Emphasis: metal-center redox behavior + coordination/axial environment
(often Fe/Co/Mn MPc systems)
Bio-photosensitization / imaging / labeling
→ Emphasis: water solubility or functionalizability
+ aggregation control + biocompatibility in biological systems
Application Map
Application area | More commonly prioritized families | Why | Selection focus |
Organic optoelectronics (OPV / OLED / photodetectors / OFET) | Substituted Pc/Nc, fluorinated Pc, SubPc | Device performance is jointly determined by film morphology + energy levels + absorption window | Prioritize solubility/dispersion and thin-film morphology; use experimentally measured energy levels (e.g., CV/UPS) as the reference; run morphology controls/comparisons |
NIR devices / photoacoustic–photothermal / NIR detection | Nc (including some SiNc, etc.) | Nc often shows strong absorption at >700 nm, making it well-suited for NIR directions | First confirm peak position and bandshape (monomer vs. aggregate); control aggregation and solubility/dispersion; in devices, pay attention to morphological stability |
Electrocatalysis / sensing (ORR / CO₂RR, etc.) | Fe/Co/Mn MPc and other axially tunable systems | The metal-center redox and coordination environment are relatively controllable, enabling mechanistic and structure–performance correlations | Prioritize the metal center; then fine-tune with axial/peripheral electronic effects; include controls for support and interfacial compatibility |
Aqueous electrochemistry / bio-related (sensing, labeling, etc.) | Sulfonated Pc, functionalizable SiPc | Water solubility and modifiability facilitate entry into aqueous systems | Aggregation/salinity/protein effects must be controlled; record preparation order and timing |
Photodynamic / antibacterial photosensitization (PDT / PACT) | Sulfonated Pc, photosensitizing systems such as SiPc | Visible-to-NIR absorption plus triplet/ROS-related properties make them classic photosensitizer platforms | Characterize both monomeric and aggregated states; control light dose and oxygen conditions; run light vs. dark controls and toxicity controls |
Photocatalysis / photoinduced charge separation (including aggregated materials) | Pc aggregates/films, MPc-related systems | Aggregated states may exhibit semiconductor-like charge transfer and photoactivity | Morphology and aggregation state are the “structure itself”; build an evidence chain using absorption, transient methods, electrochemistry, etc. |
Abbreviations:
1. OPV = organic photovoltaics; OLED = organic light-emitting diode; OFET = organic field-effect transistor
2. NIR = near-infrared; MPc = metal phthalocyanine; SiPc/SiNc = silicon phthalocyanine / silicon naphthalocyanine; PDT/PACT = photodynamic therapy / photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (research context)
Common Notes
In phthalocyanine systems, “spectral/performance instability” is very often linked to aggregation: aggregation can alter the Q-band bandshape (broadening, shifting, splitting, or shoulder formation) and is frequently accompanied by reduced fluorescence (aggregation-induced quenching). In aqueous systems, factors such as ionic strength, buffer salts, and protein adsorption can significantly shift the aggregation equilibrium, making “the same recipe but drifting results” more likely.
Also watch for: inner-filter effects (self-absorption) caused by high concentration/long path length, and axial coordination drift that may occur for certain centers (e.g., Al/Ga/In/Sn/Ti/Si). These can produce spectral changes that “look like aggregation.”
Troubleshooting Table
Symptom | Possible causes | First checks / fixes (priority order) |
Absorption peak broadens, more shoulders / peak position drifts | Aggregation (H/J aggregates), concentration too high; salinity/solvent changes shift aggregation equilibrium | Run a concentration series; compare salinity/buffer salt; add a small amount of co-solvent; use surfactants/carriers; record standing time (aggregation has a “history effect”) |
Fluorescence is weak or unstable | Aggregation quenching; inner-filter effect; quenching by dissolved oxygen or impurities | First reduce absorbance to a suitable range (exclude inner-filter effects); lower concentration; compare deoxygenated vs. N₂-purged; switch solvent and higher purity grade; compare monomer vs. aggregate spectra |
Aqueous behavior is “different every time” | Ionic strength, protein adsorption, pH, and preparation order shift aggregation equilibrium | Fix buffer system and pH; prepare a stock solution first, then dilute; fix addition order and mixing method; record sonication/filtration/standing time; if needed, use BSA/surfactants as encapsulation controls |
Electrochemical/catalytic performance drifts | Changes in metal-center oxidation state; axial coordination/ligand exchange; differences in adsorption on supports | Fix electrolyte/anion; run a control “with vs. without axial ligand”; record electrode pretreatment; cross-validate with spectroscopy + electrochemistry |
Large variation in thin-film device performance | Differences in morphology/orientation/polymorph; residual solvent; differences in substrate surface energy | Standardize curing/annealing; build a solvent-matrix comparison; control humidity/temperature; use the same batch substrate treatment; establish morphology controls with absorption/AFM/GIXRD (if available) |
Performance decays under light | Photobleaching; oxygen involvement leading to ROS/side reactions; different behavior of aggregated vs. monomeric states | Store protected from light; define light dose; compare aerobic vs. anaerobic; record absorption/fluorescence before and after irradiation |
Terminology note: H- and J-aggregation are two common dye aggregation modes; they typically cause differences in peak position and bandshape (e.g., blue shift/red shift, narrowing/broadening, etc.).
Aladdin Reference Products — Phthalocyanine Chromophore Families & Use Quick Guide (Parent / Substituted / Fluorinated / Sulfonated Water-Soluble / Axial Precursors / SubPc / Nc)
Category | Aladdin Cat. No. | Product name | CAS No. | Specification or purity | Product features or applications |
Base metal phthalocyanine / parent | C432135 | Copper(II) phthalocyanine | 147-14-8 | Sublimed grade, ≥99.95% metals basis, triple-sublimed | Classic phthalocyanine-blue parent (CuPc); strong tinting strength; widely used as a pigment model and for spectroscopy/electrochemistry and organic semiconductor thin-film studies |
Base metal phthalocyanine / parent | Z163005 | Zinc phthalocyanine | 14320-04-8 | ≥95% (T) | ZnPc: classic photosensitizer/chromophore; used in spectroscopy, photosensitive materials, and organic electronic thin films (often as p-type/donor systems) |
Base metal phthalocyanine / parent | H475849 | 29H,31H-Phthalocyanine | 574-93-6 | ≥98%, β-form | Metal-free phthalocyanine parent; used for structure/spectroscopy teaching and as a starting material for metal insertion synthesis (commonly used to prepare various metal phthalocyanines) |
Base metal phthalocyanine / parent | N302825 | Nickel(II) phthalocyanine | 14055-02-8 | Dye content 85% | NiPc: stable π-conjugated complex; used in organic semiconductor thin films, gas/electrochemical sensing, and model electrocatalysis studies |
Base metal phthalocyanine / parent | C121597 | Cobalt(II) phthalocyanine | 3317-67-7 | ≥95% | CoPc: electroactive center; commonly used in ORR/OER-related electrocatalysis and gas sensing as a coordination-model system |
Base metal phthalocyanine / parent | V290261 | Vanadyl phthalocyanine | 13930-88-6 | Sublimed grade, ≥99% | The V=O axial group gives distinctive spectroscopic/electrochemical features; used in thin-film optoelectronics, redox activity, and catalytic mechanism model studies |
Base metal phthalocyanine / parent | I431893 | Iron phthalocyanine | 132-16-1 | Dye content ~90% | FePc: typical redox-active metal phthalocyanine; used for electrocatalysis/peroxidase-mimic models, spectroelectrochemistry, and thin-film materials |
Base metal phthalocyanine / parent | M478378 | Magnesium phthalocyanine | 1661-03-6 | Dye content 90% | MgPc: light-metal center with strong absorption; used in spectroscopy, energy transfer/photosensitization, and organic thin-film studies |
Base metal phthalocyanine / parent | T302978 | Tin(II) phthalocyanine | 15304-57-1 | ≥95% | SnPc family: the center may participate in axial coordination/structural tuning; used in optoelectronic thin films, sensing, and coordination chemistry studies |
Base metal phthalocyanine / parent | T432499 | Titanium phthalocyanine | 26201-32-1 | Dye content 95% | TiPc/OTiPc-related systems: can form films and are used in optoelectronics/photocatalysis and charge-transfer research; the Ti center affects energy levels and excited-state processes |
Base metal phthalocyanine / parent | L131573 | Lead(II) phthalocyanine | 15187-16-3 | Sublimed grade, ≥98% (T) | PbPc: heavy-atom effect and energy-level tuning; often used in organic optoelectronics/NIR-absorption material studies |
Base metal phthalocyanine / parent | P290024 | Platinum phthalocyanine | 14075-08-2 | ≥97% | PtPc: heavy-metal center; used for NIR absorption, optoelectronic/catalysis models, and materials research |
Commercial dyes/pigments (C.I.) | P342026 | Pigment Green 7 | 1328-53-6 | Biological staining grade | Classic phthalocyanine green pigment (often a chlorinated copper phthalocyanine system); light- and weather-fast; used for inks/coatings/plastics coloration or dispersion systems |
Commercial dyes/pigments (C.I.) | D405481 | Direct Blue 86 | 1330-38-7 | – | Often a representative direct dye based on sulfonated phthalocyanine systems; used for aqueous dyeing of cellulosic fibers/paper, etc. |
Commercial dyes/pigments (C.I.) | C349638 | Reactive Blue 21 | 12236-86-1 | Industrial grade | Reactive textile dye; commonly a phthalocyanine-derived scaffold (with reactive groups that can bond to fibers), offering good wet fastness |
Commercial dyes/pigments (C.I.) | A105505 | Alcian Blue 8GX | 33864-99-2 | Dye-content ≥50% | Commonly used in histological staining (Alcian Blue family); typically a phthalocyanine derivative (with cationic/sulfonated groups), for staining acidic mucopolysaccharides/glycosaminoglycans |
Substituted Pc (anti-aggregation / solution processing) | C154048 | 2,9,16,23-Tetra-tert-butyl copper(II) phthalocyanine | 39001-64-4 | ≥97% | tert-Butyl steric hindrance is often used to suppress π–π aggregation and improve organic dispersion; used in spectroscopy/photosensitization and organic thin-film studies |
Substituted Pc (anti-aggregation / solution processing) | N478400 | Nickel(II) 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octabutoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine | 155773-71-0 | Dye content 97% | Long-chain alkoxy groups enhance organic solubility/dispersion, enabling solution processing and more uniform films; used in device and spectroscopy studies |
Substituted Pc (anti-aggregation / solution processing) | C478384 | Copper(II) 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octabutoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine | 107227-88-3 | Dye content 95% | Long-chain alkoxy groups enhance organic solubility/dispersion, enabling solution processing and more uniform films; used in device and spectroscopy studies |
Substituted Pc (anti-aggregation / solution processing) | O478385 | 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-Octabutoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine | 116453-73-7 | Dye content 95% | Long-chain alkoxy groups enhance organic solubility/dispersion, enabling solution processing and more uniform films; used in device and spectroscopy studies |
Substituted Pc (anti-aggregation / solution processing) | Z486529 | Zinc 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octabutoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine | 107227-89-4 | – | Long-chain alkoxy groups enhance organic solubility/dispersion; facilitate solution processing and film formation (Zn center is often used in photosensitizer/chromophore studies) |
Substituted Pc (anti-aggregation / solution processing) | C478386 | Copper(II) 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octaalkyl(octyloxy)-29H,31H-phthalocyanine | 119495-09-9 | Dye content 95% | Long-chain alkyl/alkoxy substitution improves organic solubility and film formation; commonly used in solution-processed thin films and optoelectronic research |
Substituted Pc (anti-aggregation / solution processing) | V478407 | 2,9,16,23-Tetraphenoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine vanadyl | 109738-21-8 | Dye content 98% | Aryloxy substitution often improves organic solubility, controls aggregation, and fine-tunes absorption; suitable for solution-cast films and spectroscopy studies |
Substituted Pc (functionalizable / coupling precursor) | T588527 | (4,4′,4′′,4′′′-Tetraaminophthalocyanine)cobalt | 27680-31-5 | Reagent grade | Four –NH₂ groups provide highly reactive sites for post-functionalization (acylation/sulfonylation/polymer grafting/bioconjugation, etc.); more typically positioned as a “functional precursor/platform molecule” rather than a purely solubilizing substituted Pc |
Azaphthalocyanine (AzaPc; red-shifted absorption) | C486735 | Copper(II) 4,4′,4′′,4′′′-tetraaza-29H,31H-phthalocyanine | 15275-52-2 | ≥80% | AzaPc can significantly lower/rearrange energy levels and change absorption; relative to Pc it may show a red shift or blue shift (use measured UV–Vis as the reference). |
Fluorinated Pc (electronic structure / stability tuning) | C478361 | Copper(II) 1,2,3,4,8,9,10,11,15,16,17,18,22,23,24,25-hexadecafluoro-29H,31H-phthalocyanine | 14916-87-1 | Dye content 80% | Highly fluorinated substitution typically lowers the HOMO, improves oxidative stability, and changes aggregation; commonly used in organic optoelectronic films and energy-level tuning studies (p-/n-/ambipolar behavior depends on structure and device stack) |
Fluorinated Pc (electronic structure / stability tuning) | Z478370 | Zinc 1,2,3,4,8,9,10,11,15,16,17,18,22,23,24,25-hexadecafluoro-29H,31H-phthalocyanine | 31396-84-6 | Dye content 90% | Highly fluorinated substitution typically lowers the HOMO, improves oxidative stability, and changes aggregation; used for optoelectronic films/energy-level tuning and stable NIR-absorption studies |
Fluorinated Pc (electronic structure / stability tuning) | I290314 | Iron(II) 1,2,3,4,8,9,10,11,15,16,17,18,22,23,24,25-hexadecafluoro-29H,31H-phthalocyanine | 23844-93-1 | ≥99% | Fluorination tunes MPc redox and energy levels; used in thin-film charge-transfer studies, electrocatalysis models, and organic optoelectronics |
Fluorinated Pc (electronic structure / stability tuning) | C478392 | Cobalt hexadecafluorophthalocyanine | 52629-20-6 | ≥98% | Fluorination tunes energy levels and aggregation; used in optoelectronic films, sensing, and redox mechanism studies |
Fluorinated Pc (electronic structure / stability tuning) | C290298 | Copper(II)-2,9,16,23-tetrafluoro-29H,31H-phthalocyanine | 65602-84-8 | Sublimed grade, ≥99% | Tetrafluoro substitution is often used to fine-tune electronic structure and absorption and improve chemical/oxidative stability; used in organic optoelectronics and functional thin-film studies |
Fluorinated Pc (electronic structure / stability tuning) | C154047 | 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-Octafluoro copper(II) phthalocyanine | 148651-60-9 | ≥97% | Octafluoro substitution is often used to further lower energy levels and alter aggregation/thin-film morphology; used in organic optoelectronics, spectroscopy, and stability studies |
Fluorinated Pc (electronic structure / stability tuning) | Z290311 | Zinc(II)-2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octafluoro-29H,31H-phthalocyanine | 676519-80-5 | Sublimed grade, ≥99% | Octafluoro substitution for tuning energy levels/absorption and thin-film morphology; commonly used in organic optoelectronics and thin-film studies |
Fluorinated Pc (electronic structure / stability tuning) | Z290310 | Zinc(II)-1,8,15,22-tetrafluoro-29H,31H-phthalocyanine, isomer mixture | 1120355-28-3 | Sublimed grade, ≥99% | Tetrafluoro substitution fine-tunes energy levels and aggregation; isomer mixtures may affect crystallization/film morphology—batch consistency is worth monitoring in device work |
Fluorinated Pc (electronic structure / stability tuning) | T1504924 | Titanium, [1,2,3,4,8,9,10,11,15,16,17,18,22,23,24,25-hexadecafluoro-29H,31H-phthalocyanine(2-)-κN29,κN30,κN31,κN32]oxo-, (SP-5-12)- | 115537-98-9 | – | Fluorination is used to tune energy levels/aggregation and thin-film properties; Ti–O structure and fluorination jointly influence charge transfer and optoelectronic behavior; commonly used in optoelectronics/photocatalysis-related studies |
Sulfonated Pc (water-soluble) | C478362 | Copper phthalocyanine-3,4′,4″,4‴-tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt | 123439-80-5 | Dye content 85% | Typical water-soluble Pc (anionic); suitable for aqueous sensing/electrocatalysis/biostaining (prone to aggregation; often requires control via salt/co-solvent/surfactants) |
Sulfonated Pc (water-soluble) | Z289973 | Zinc phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate | 61586-86-5 | ≥96%, mixture of isomers | Representative anionic water-soluble Pc; used in aqueous spectroscopy, electrochemistry, sensing, or labeling studies (watch isomers and aggregation) |
Sulfonated Pc (water-soluble) | N350058 | Nickel(II) phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate tetrasodium salt | 27835-99-0 | ≥94% | Anionic water-soluble MPc; used for aqueous redox/electrocatalysis models, sensing, and spectroscopy (aggregation control required) |
Sulfonated Pc (water-soluble) | S188989 | Sulfonated cobalt(II) phthalocyanine | 1098-91-1 | ≥98% | Water-soluble CoPc derivative; suitable for aqueous electrocatalysis/sensing and spectroscopy (aggregation control required) |
Sulfonated Pc (water-soluble) | I478360 | Iron(III) phthalocyanine-4,4′,4″,4‴-tetrasulfonic acid, compound with sodium oxide (hydrate) | – | Dye content 80% | Water-soluble FePc sulfonate-related system; commonly used in aqueous electrocatalysis/peroxidase-mimic and spectroelectrochemistry (watch aggregation and coordination state) |
Sulfonated Pc (water-soluble) | P332683 | Phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid | 33308-41-7 | ≥95%, with isomers | Sulfonated metal-free Pc product; used in aqueous spectroscopy/electrochemistry and for further coordination or preparation of metal sulfonated Pc (aggregation control required) |
Metal Pc chlorides / axial precursors | P301517 | Aluminum phthalocyanine chloride | 14154-42-8 | Dye content ~85% | AlPcCl is a typical axial-coordination precursor; the axial Cl can often be substituted for further functionalization; widely used in photosensitization/labeling and optoelectronic materials |
Metal Pc chlorides / axial precursors | I290313 | Indium(III) phthalocyanine chloride | 19631-19-7 | Sublimed grade, ≥99% | InPcCl axial precursor; used in thin-film optoelectronics, spectroscopy, and coordination studies (axial site facilitates post-functionalization) |
Metal Pc chlorides / axial precursors | G478401 | Gallium(III) phthalocyanine chloride | 19717-79-4 | Dye content 97% | GaPcCl axial precursor; used in optoelectronics/photosensitization and coordination chemistry (axial site can be post-modified) |
Metal Pc chlorides / axial precursors | I478349 | Iron(III) phthalocyanine chloride | 14285-56-4 | Dye content ~95% | FePcCl: strongly redox-active; commonly used in electrocatalysis/peroxidase-mimic and coordination-model studies (highly sensitive to oxidation state/coordination environment) |
Metal Pc chlorides / axial precursors | M478364 | Manganese(III) phthalocyanine chloride | 53432-32-9 | Dye content 85% | Mn(III)PcCl: high-valent centers are often used in redox/peroxidase-mimic models; axial Cl and coordination environment strongly affect activity |
Metal Pc chlorides / axial precursors | T121599 | Tin(IV) phthalocyanine dichloride | 18253-54-8 | – | SnPcCl₂-type axial precursor; used for axial substitution/coordination tuning and optoelectronic thin-film studies |
Metal Pc chlorides / axial precursors | T478387 | Titanium(IV) phthalocyanine dichloride | 16903-42-7 | Dye content 95% | TiPcCl₂ axial precursor; used for axial substitution/coordination tuning, thin-film optoelectronics, and photocatalysis-related studies |
Metal Pc chlorides / axial precursors | A478368 | 1,8,15,22-Tetrakis(phenylthio)-29H,31H-aluminum phthalocyanine chloride | 167093-23-4 | Dye content 90% | AlPcCl axial precursor + phenylthio substitution jointly tunes energy levels/solubility; used in optoelectronics, charge-transfer, or photosensitizing material studies |
Silicon Pc (SiPc; axially modifiable) | S281793 | Silicon phthalocyanine dichloride (SiPcCl₂) | 19333-10-9 | ≥85% | Classic axial precursor; readily undergoes axial substitution to give soluble/functionalizable SiPc; often used in photosensitization/labeling and organic optoelectronic thin films |
Silicon Pc (SiPc; axially modifiable) | S478356 | Silicon phthalocyanine dihydroxide [SiPc(OH)₂] | 19333-15-4 | Dye content 75% | Axial –OH can be further derivatized (e.g., silyl ethers/carbonates) to tune solubility/aggregation; used in photosensitization, labeling, and thin-film studies |
Silicon Pc (SiPc; axially modifiable) | S478358 | Dihydroxysilicon 2,9,16,23-tetra-tert-butyl-29H,31H-phthalocyanine | 85214-70-6 | Dye content 80% | tert-Butyl steric hindrance suppresses aggregation + Si–OH axial modifiability: combines “morphology control” and “post-functionalization”; used in photosensitization and organic thin films |
Pc salts (alkali-metal salts) | D289971 | Disodium phthalocyanine | 25476-27-1 | ≥95% | Pc²⁻ ionic salt (reduced-state/coordination-precursor form); used in electrochemistry, coordination models, or as an intermediate for further metalation/functionalization |
Pc salts (alkali-metal salts) | D432462 | Dilithium phthalocyanine | 25510-41-2 | Dye content 70% | Pc²⁻ ionic salt; often used as a more reactive Pc coordination/derivatization intermediate for subsequent functionalization or metalation |
Poly-phthalocyanine / polymer | P478352 | Poly(copper phthalocyanine) | 26893-93-6 | Dye content 60% | Poly-phthalocyanine/poly(copper phthalocyanine); heat- and chemical-resistant; used in functional coatings, composites, or conductive pigments/electrode materials |
Naphthalocyanine (Nc; NIR) | N478388 | 2,3-Naphthalocyanine | 23627-89-6 | Dye content 95% | Nc is a strong NIR-absorbing chromophore; used in NIR spectroscopy, photothermal/photoacoustic, NIR optoelectronics, and functional thin films |
Naphthalocyanine (Nc; NIR) | T478404 | 2,11,20,29-Tetra-tert-butyl-2,3-naphthalocyanine | 58687-99-3 | Dye content 97% | tert-Butyl steric hindrance helps reduce aggregation/improve dispersion; used in NIR thin films, spectroscopy, and photothermal research |
Naphthalocyanine (Nc; NIR) | C432631 | Copper 2,3-naphthalocyanine | 33273-09-5 | Dye content 85% | CuNc: strong NIR absorption; used in NIR optoelectronics, photothermal/photoacoustic, and functional thin-film studies |
Naphthalocyanine (Nc; NIR) | C478377 | Copper(II) 5,9,14,18,23,27,32,36-octabutoxy-2,3-naphthalocyanine | 155773-67-4 | ≥97% | Long-chain alkoxy improves organic solubility/film formation; strong NIR absorption, suitable for solution-processed NIR films and device studies |
Naphthalocyanine (Nc; NIR) | N478408 | Nickel(II) 5,9,14,18,23,27,32,36-octabutoxy-2,3-naphthalocyanine | 155773-70-9 | Dye content 98% | Long-chain alkoxy increases solubility and supports solution processing; used in NIR spectroscopy, thin-film devices, and photothermal studies |
Naphthalocyanine (Nc; NIR) | O478383 | 5,9,14,18,23,27,32,36-Octabutoxy-2,3-naphthalocyanine | 105528-25-4 | Dye content 95% | Typical solubilized Nc; used in NIR spectroscopy/thin films and photothermal-related studies |
Naphthalocyanine (Nc; NIR) | C478363 | Cobalt(II) 2,3-naphthalocyanine | 26603-20-3 | Dye content 85% | CoNc: NIR absorption + metal redox features; used in NIR optoelectronics, sensing, and redox mechanism studies |
Naphthalocyanine (Nc; NIR) | S478359 | Silicon 2,3-naphthalocyanine dihydroxide [SiNc(OH)₂] | 92396-90-2 | Dye content 80% | SiNc(OH)₂: NIR absorption + axial modifiability; used in soluble/functionalizable NIR materials and thin films |
Naphthalocyanine (Nc; NIR) | T431433 | Tin(II) 2,3-naphthalocyanine | 110479-58-8 | – | SnNc: strong NIR absorption; can be used in NIR optoelectronic thin films and spectroscopy/device studies |
Naphthalocyanine (Nc; NIR) | V487033 | Vanadyl 2,3-naphthalocyanine | 33273-15-3 | – | VO–Nc: strong NIR absorption with characteristic electrochemistry/axial structure; used in NIR thin films, spectroscopy, and mechanism studies |
Subphthalocyanine (SubPc) | B290356 | Chloro boron subphthalocyanine | 36530-06-0 | Sublimed grade, ≥99% | Typical bowl-shaped SubPc chromophore; strong absorption/emission; used in OLED/OPV, organic optoelectronics, and self-assembly studies |
Subphthalocyanine (SubPc) | H290302 | 2,3,9,10,16,17-Hexachloro boron subphthalocyanine | 309963-65-3 | Sublimed grade, ≥99% | Halogenated SubPc: often used to tune energy levels/absorption and thin-film morphology; used in OLED/OPV and self-assembly studies |
Subphthalocyanine (SubPc) | B290358 | Boron sub-2,3-naphthalocyanine chloride | 142710-56-3 | Sublimed grade, ≥99% | SubNc-type: absorption shifts further into the NIR; used in organic optoelectronics/self-assembly and NIR functional thin-film studies |