Moving corrole towards a red-record: synthesis of β-acrolein Ga and Cu corroles using the Vilsmeier reaction

Copper and gallium β-acrolein corroles have been obtained by reaction of corrole complexes with 3-(dimethylamino)-acrolein/phosphoryl chloride (3-DMA/POCl₃) under Vilsmeier conditions. In the case of the Ga complex, up to four acroleyl substituents have been introduced at the β-peripheral positions of the corrole macrocycle. The introduction of the acroleyl moiety on the corrole scaffold strongly influences the photophysical behaviour of the Ga corroles.