Corrole dimers as photosensitizers: synthesis and antimicrobial activity studies

Corrole oligomers have emerged as a new class of π-conjugated materials with unique functions allowing to modulate their optical, electrical, and magnetic properties [1]. Singly linked (e.g., 1 and 2, Figure 1) and doubly linked (e.g., 3, Figure 1) corrole dimers have been synthesized via a multistep process that relied on regiospecific Pd-catalyzed oxidativecoupling reactions or by thermo-oxidative conditions [2–4]. The electronic spectra of corrole dimers such as 3 fall within the photodynamic therapy (PDT) therapeutic window (600–800 nm), which makes them promising candidates to be used as photosensitizers (PS) [3]. The use of corrole oligomers as PS has not yet been explored. Following our interest in the development of new corrole PS to be used in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) [5], in this communication, we will discuss the potential of corrole dimers to photoinactivate a multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus strain. In addition, a peculiar alternative to the synthesis of dimers 1–3 mediated by acidic conditions, as well as their structural, photophysical, and photochemical characterization will be discussed.