Phthalocyanine is formed through the cyclotetramerization of various phthalic acid derivatives including phthalonitrile, diiminoisoindole, phthalic anhydride, and phthalimides.
Alternatively, heating phthalic anhydride in the presence of urea yields H₂Pc.
Using such methods, approximately 57,000 tonnes (63,000 tons) of various phthalocyanines were produced in 1985.

More often, MPc is synthesized rather H₂Pc due to the greater research interest in the former.
To prepare these complexes, the phthalocyanine synthesis is conducted in the presence of metal salts.
Two copper phthalocyanines are shown in the figure below.

Halogenated and sulfonated derivatives of copper phthalocyanines are commercially important as dyes.
Such compounds are prepared by treating CuPc with chlorine, bromine or oleum.
Phthalocyanine is formed through the cyclotetramerization of various phthalic acid derivatives including phthalonitrile, diiminoisoindole, phthalic anhydride, and phthalimides. Alternatively, heating phthalic anhydride in the presence of urea yields H₂Pc. Using such methods, approximately 57,000 tonnes (63,000 tons) of various phthalocyanines were produced in 1985.
More often, MPc is synthesized rather H₂Pc due to the greater research interest in the former. To prepare these complexes, the phthalocyanine synthesis is conducted in the presence of metal salts. Two copper phthalocyanines are shown in the figure below.
Halogenated and sulfonated derivatives of copper phthalocyanines are commercially important as dyes. Such compounds are prepared by treating CuPc with chlorine, bromine or oleum.
Phthalocyanine