Preparation of 1,2-bis(3,4-dicyanophenoxymethyl)benzene and the binuclear zinc phthalocyanine derived from it

A method of synthesis of 1,2-bis(3,4-dicyanophenoxymethyl)benzene from the 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)benzene and 4-nitrophthalodinitrile is developed. Its tetramerization with Zn(OAc)₂·2H₂O gives a binuclear zinc phthalocyanine of a new type, containing four o-phenylidene bridges. The use of microwave heating decreases reaction time and increases yield.