Synthesis and Optimization of Halogenated Zinc (II) Phthalocyanines

The quest for the best synthetic condition for a given target molecule is a sophisticated task, in addition, an important key-performance indicator in a Research & Development facility. Here, an efficient and cost-effective synthesis of 1, 8, 15, 22-Tetrafluorophthalocyaninato zinc (II) (F4PcZn), a key photoconducting pigment particles in the semi-conductor industry is described. The crude product was purified by acid and the yield of 80% was obtained. The objective of this study is to optimize the syntheses and purification of 1, 8, 15, 22-Tetrafluorophthalocyaninato zinc (II) (F4PcZn) via the trial of various solvents, using different reagent, and reaction conditions. In this research, the author also experimented with different purification methods of the crude product.

The author is a full-time instructor at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore (NUS). He earned his Bachelor degree with Honours at NUS and a Masters of Science (Industrial Chemistry) in Technische Universität München. His research includes using IT in pedogogy.