Reduction of an Amido Zinc(II) Phthalocyanine by Diborane

1,2-Dicyano-4,5-di[N,N'-dimethylaminocarbonyl)methoxy]benzene (5) was synthesized in 80% yield from the corresponding 1,2-dibromo derivative 4. Octa(peripheral-amide)substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanine 6 was obtained from 5 and zinc acetate in the presence of l,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene. Phthalocyanine 7 was prepared via reduction of 6 with diborane. Treatment of 7 with methyl iodide afforded cationic dye 8.