Iron-phthalocyanine chemical structure

The chemical structure of iron-phthalocyanine is shown on Figure 1. PcFe is a planar molecule with a central cavity in which the iron atom is located. Metal phthalocyanines may be sublimated and the deposition of PcFe on the carbon support has been done by vapor phase condensation (16). During the condensation, the carbon supports are kept at 235°C, Condensation rates were in the range 2-4 mg PcFe per hour. Samples with PcFe content ranging from 0.5 to 30 % in weight have been prepared with both carbon substrates. 

In 1928, at Grangemouth, Scotland, at the works of Messrs. Scottish Dyes Ltd., traces of a dark blue insoluble complex were noticed in the iron vessels used to prepare phthalimide from phthalic anhydride and ammonia (65, 221). This product was subsequently shown to be ferrous phthalo-cyanine. Since then literally thousands of patents and publications concerning the phthalocyanines have appeared. It is probable that the phthalocyanines have been the subject of more physical studies than any other single class of compound, partly as a result of their unique structure and partly because of their high thermal and chemical stability. 

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