Corroles and Hexaphyrins: Synthesis and Application in Cancer Photodynamic Therapy

Corroles and hexaphyrins are porphyrinoids with great potential for diverse applications. Like porphyrins, many of their applications are based on their unique capability to interact with light, i.e., based on their photophysical properties. Corroles have intense absorptions in the low-energy region of the uv-vis, while hexaphyrins have the capability to absorb light in the near-infrared (NIR) region, presenting photophysical features which are complementary to those of porphyrins. Despite the increasing interest in corroles and hexaphyrins in recent years, the full potential of both classes of compounds, regarding biological applications, has been hampered by their challenging synthesis. Herein, recent developments in the synthesis of corroles and hexaphyrins are reviewed, highlighting their potential application in photodynamic therapy.