The spectral and electrochemical properties of series of deformed iron(III) derivatives of short-chain basket-handle porphyrins are reported. 1HNMR and optical studies demonstrated that deformation arises because of the bridging of opposite phenyl groups by short chains. Axial ligation studies indicate that the straps present over both sides of the porphyrin ring do not prevent the entry of small ligands. Electrochemistry in four different solvents suggests the stabilisation of Fe(II) and Fe(I) over Fe(III) in strong coordinating solvents.
