Intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer in cobalt(II) chlathrochelate-zinc porphyrin assemblies leading to long-lived Co(I) species

We report herein the synthesis and characterization of novel cobalt chlathrochelate-zinc porphyrin assemblies. X-ray data and electrochemical studies support the formation and maintenance of these structures both in solid and solution states. Light induced charge accumulation at the cobalt center was realized in the presence of a sacrificial electron donor. The photogenerated Co(I) species was stable in the ms time scale in aqueous medium.