Synthesis and properties of tetrasubstituted phthalocyanines containing cyclohexylphenoxy-groups on the periphery

•3/4-(4-cyclohexylphenoxy)phthalonitriles are synthesized.•Novel metal-free, Mg2+ and Zn2+ peripheral and non-peripheral substituted cyclohexylphenoxy-phthalocyanines are derived.•Aggregation, spectral and fluorescence properties for complexes are investigated.•Metal complexes with non-peripheral substituents demonstrate J-aggregation.