Synthesis of a [26]hexaphyrin bis-Pd(II) complex with a characteristic aromatic circuit.

Not one, but two: Metalation of a mono-Pd(II) hexaphyrin (1) with [Pd(OCOCF3)2] gave a bis-Pd(II) complex (2), which possesses a characteristic 26 π-aromatic circuit with two outer amino-pyrroles within a rectangular molecular framework. Complex 2 was readily deprotonated to afford a dianion, which was regioselectively methylated to give a methyl derivative. A similar methylation reaction of 1 produced a skeletally rearranged product that contained an N-confused pyrrole.