Reviewing of metalloporphyrins as novel catalysts for synthesis of conducting and water-soluble polymers

Porphyrins are a group of heterocyclic macrocycle organic compounds, composed of four modified pyrrole subunits interconnected at their α carbon atoms via methine bridges (=CH−). Porphyrins have attracted much attention because of their unique structures and a wide spectrum of very useful physicochemical and biological properties, such as anion binding, stabilization of metal ions with unusual oxidation states, electron transfer, and construction of peculiar supramolecular assemblies. The synthesis of electroactive and water-soluble polymers were accomplished with water-soluble metal(III) porphyrins in the presence of a template. The polymerization by matelloporphyrin is simple (one-step), chemically mild, and environmentally benign and requires minimal separation. This approach provides a distinct advantage over similar reactions employing native enzymes due to higher stability and lower price of the catalysts.