Chlorin

Chlorin
Identifiers
CAS number	2683-84-3
PubChem	65106
SMILES	C1CC2=NC1=CC3=CC=C(N3)C=C4C=CC(=N4)C=C5C=CC(=C2)N5
Properties
Molecular formula	C20H16N4
Molar mass	312.36784
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

In organic chemistry, a chlorin is a large heterocyclic aromatic ring consisting, at the core, of three pyrroles and one pyrroline coupled through four methine linkages. Unlike a porphyrin, a chlorin is therefore largely aromatic but not aromatic through the entire circumference of the ring.

Magnesium-containing chlorins are called chlorophylls, and are the central photosensitive pigment in chloroplasts. A related compound, with two reduced pyrroles, is called a bacteriochlorin.

Because of their photosensitivity, chlorins are in active use as photosensitizing agents in experimental Photodynamic Therapy.

Chlorin is not to be confused with the chemical element chlorine.

See also

• Corrin
• Photodynamic Therapy