Meso-tetrakis(4-alkoxyphenyl) porphyrins synthesized by condensation of 4-alkoxybenzaldehydes with pyrrole, reacted with metal acetates to form corresponding complexes. Twelve complexes of porphyrins with Zn^2^+ or Pb^2^+ have been obtained by this approach. Among them there are six new compounds. Zinc series complexes are purple crystals. formed in 80%-90% yield. Lead complexes are green crystals with yields ranging from 52% to 58%. The solubility differences of taget porphyrins and impurities in petroleum ether (naphtha) were exploited to improve the separation process and enhance recovery efficiency. Satisfactory purity of the porphyrins as achieved by one recrystalization. Compared with those of previous method, porphyrin complexes of approximately equal yields were obtained within shorter time and without need for inert atmosphere protection. Molecular structures of all synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, UV, ^1H NMR, MS and elemental analysis. Characteristic spectrometric data of IR, UV, ^1H NMR related to their structures have been systematically analyzed. The N-H 3385cm^-^1 IR peak of porphyrins disappears when porphyrins combine with Zn^2^+ or Pb^2^+ ion. Compared with those in UV spectrum of porphyrin, the peaks of the complex shift to lower wave numbers. ^1H NMR spectrums of porphyrins complexes do not show the peak at δ=-2.75 as the porphyrin precursors. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing microscope were used to probe the liquid crystal properties of the two series complexes. Nine of the two series complexes were found to exhibit liquid crystal properties. Only one synthesized substituted porphyrin which has as alkoxy chain with 16 carbon atoms shows liquid crystal properties. However, Zn^2^+, Pb^2^+ complexes of substituted porphyrins which have alkoxy chain with 10, 12, 14, 16 or 18 carbon atoms possess liquid crystal properties and wide temperature range of liquid crystal phase transition.

Key words: ALKOXYL GROUP, BENZENE P, PORPHYRIN, ZINC COMPLEX, LEAD COMPLEX, COMPLEX COMPOUNDS, METAL COMPLEX, LIQUID CRYSTAL, SPECTROMETRIC ANALYSIS