meso-Octamethylporphyrinogen, usually referred to simply as octamethylporphyrinogen, is an organic compound with the formula (Me2C-C4H2NH)4 (Me = CH3. It is one of the simplest porphyrinogens, a family of compounds that occur as intermediates in the biosynthesis of hemes and chlorophylls. In contrast to those rings, porphyrinogens are colorless since they lack extended conjugation. The prefix meso-octamethyl indicates that the eight methyl groups are located on the carbon centers that interconnect the four pyrrole rings. Also unlike porphyrins, the porphyrinogens are highly ruffled.[1]
The compound was first reported by Adolph Bayer.[2] It is made by condensation of pyrrole with acetone.[3]
The pyrrolic N-H centers of ctamethylporphyrinogen can be deprotonated, and the resulting tetraanion functions as a tetradentate ligand for a variety of metal ions.[4]