A series of 2-(hydroquinon-2-yl)-5,10,15,20-tetra(4-hydroxylphenyl)porphyrins have been firstly synthesized by direct reaction of 2-nitro-5,10,15,20-tetra(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin with neutral hydroquinone in higher than 90% yields for making new photosensitizer of photodynamic therapy. The bactericidal activity on Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) has also been tested with 2-(hydroquinon-2-yl)-5,10,15,20 tetra(4-hydroxylphenyl)porphyrin and its Ni(Ⅱ), Zn(Ⅱ) complexes. The Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) can be inhibited completely when their concentration is 80 μmol/L (that of Na ampicillin is 320 μmol/L), but they are not so effective on Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). It is shown that 2-(hydroquinon-2-yl)-5,10,15,20-tetra-(4-hydroxylphenyl)porphyrin and its metal complexes are potent and promising anti-Staphylococcus aureus agents.

Key words: photosensitizer, 2-(hydroquinon-2-yl)-porphyrin, synthesis, antibacterial activity