Porphyrin-Inspired Processes: From Molecular Design to Sustainable Catalysis and Synthesis

Dear Colleagues,

Porphyrins, porphyrinoids, and related macrocyclic frameworks are foundational motifs in nature (e.g., heme, chlorophyll) and have inspired a broad array of functional materials in chemistry and chemical engineering. Their rich photophysical and redox properties, structural tunability, and ability to coordinate a wide range of metal centers make them highly attractive for applications in catalysis, energy conversion, and environmentally benign synthesis. Recent advances in molecular design, supramolecular assembly, computational modeling, and green catalysis have opened new opportunities to harness porphyrin-inspired systems for sustainable processes. This convergence of fundamental structure–function understanding and practical application highlights the need for a dedicated collection that captures current progress and future directions in this rapidly evolving field.

This Special Issue on “Porphyrin-Inspired Processes: From Molecular Design to Sustainable Catalysis and Synthesis” seeks high-quality contributions that advance understanding and application of porphyrin-based or porphyrin-inspired systems in catalysis, synthesis, and related sustainable processes. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Molecular design and synthesis of porphyrins, porphyrinoids, and related macrocycles for catalytic or functional applications;
• Structure–activity relationships and mechanistic insights linking macrocycle design to catalytic performance;
• Metal-centered porphyrin catalysts for oxidation, reduction, C–C/C–heteroatom bond formation, and other synthetic transformations;
• Photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis employing porphyrin-based systems for solar energy conversion, hydrogen evolution, or CO₂ reduction;
• Heterogeneous catalysts and immobilized porphyrin materials for scalable and sustainable process applications;
• Computational and theoretical studies of porphyrin-inspired processes and reaction mechanisms;
• Integration of porphyrin systems into continuous processes, flow chemistry, or sustainable manufacturing;
• Bioinspired and biochemical applications of porphyrins, including enzyme mimics, artificial metalloenzymes, and porphyrin-based systems for biological catalysis or metabolic pathway modulation.

We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, communications, and perspectives that contribute to the development of porphyrin-inspired processes with clear relevance to sustainable catalysis and synthesis.

Dr. Ting Han
Dr. Yunxiang Li
Prof. Dr. Manal Rawashdeh-Omary
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.