Solvent-free synthesis of phthalocyanines

Clean and efficient microwave assissted solid phase cyclocondensation of various substituted phthalic anhydrides, phthalic acids, phthalimide and phthalonitrile with urea in the presence of basic alumina forms free-base phthalocyanines in 15-79% yields with and without ammonium molybdate as a catalyst. Copyright (C) 2003 Society of Porphyrins & Phthalocyanines.