Limitadores ópticos são dispositivos que apresentam alta transmitância para baixas intensidades de luz incidente e, inversamente, baixa transmitância para altas intensidades, sendo usados como protetores contra danos em sensores ópticos e olhos humanos. Com o objetivo de estudarmos novos materiais com mecanismos não lineares eficientes para o processo de limitação, bem como novas geometrias ópticas, apresentamos neste trabalho o desenvolvimento de um limitador óptico baseado na absorção saturada reversa de porfirinas e metaloporfirinas. Construímos também um dispositivo baseado na configuração óptica bifocal, usando porfirina como absorvedor saturável reverso. Além disso, obtivemos parâmetros espectroscópicos do estado excitado pelos ajustes teóricos das curvas de transmitância, através da resolução de equações de taxa. / Optical limiters are devices with a high transmittance in the presence of low intensity light, and a considerable lower transmittance otherwise, been used as protectors against damage in optical sensors and human eyes. Aiming at searching for new materials and optical geometries efficient for optical limiting. We report on the development of an optical limiter based on the reverse saturable absorption in porphyrin and metalioporphyrins. We also built a device-based .on a cascade focus configuration, using free base porphyrin as the absorber. Besides, we obtain the excited state spectroscopy parameters by the theoretical fitting of transmittance curves, by solving a set of rate equations.

In the present work we performed electronic structure calculations within the Kohn-Sham scheme of the density functional theory (DFT). We studied two molecules with potential applications in life sciences and medicine: ferrioxamine B and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridyl)-21H,23H (TMPyP) porphyrin. We used different methods and different exchange and correlation functionals, analyzing optical and vibrational properties and hyperfine interactions. In the case of ferrioxamine B, results in the crystalline phase (molecular crystal), and gas phase were compared with experimental results obtained using Mössbauer spectroscopy from the literature. We analyzed hyperfine parameters such as the electric quadrupole splitting, asymmetry parameter, hyperfine field and isomer shift. In the case of TMPyP porphyrin we analyzed vibrational properties in the gas phase and optical properties. For the electronic absorption, solvent effects and electronic charges states were analyzed. / In the present work we performed electronic structure calculations within the Kohn-Sham scheme of the density functional theory (DFT). We studied two molecules with potential applications in life sciences and medicine: ferrioxamine B and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridyl)-21H,23H (TMPyP) porphyrin. We used different methods and different exchange and correlation functionals, analyzing optical and vibrational properties and hyperfine interactions. In the case of ferrioxamine B, results in the crystalline phase (molecular crystal), and gas phase were compared with experimental results obtained using Mössbauer spectroscopy from the literature. We analyzed hyperfine parameters such as the electric quadrupole splitting, asymmetry parameter, hyperfine field and isomer shift. In the case of TMPyP porphyrin we analyzed vibrational properties in the gas phase and optical properties. For the electronic absorption, solvent effects and electronic charges states were analyzed.

Neste trabalho foi sintetizada e caracterizada uma série de porfirinas e FeP correspondentes contendo substituintes NO2 nas posições orto- ou grupos COOH nas posições para- dos anéis meso-fenis, e a atividade catalítica destes compostos na oxidação de hidrocarbonetos foi investigada, tanto em sistemas homogêneos quanto em sistemas suportados. As porfirinas H2(TNMCPP), H2(DNDCPP) e H2(MNTCPP) foram sintetizadas pela reação de pirrol com a mistura de 2-nitrobenzaldeído e 4-carboxibenzaldeído, em meio de ácido propiônico e nitrobenzeno, sendo em seguida isoladas e purificadas através de cromatografia preparativa em sílica gel tendo como eluente a mistura DCM : ACT : HAc (8 : 2 : 0,1). A inserção de ferro nas porfirinas bases livre foi feita pela reação com FeBr2.2H2O em meio de DMF. A caracterização das porfirinas bases livre e das correspondentes FeP envolveu diferentes técnicas como: TLC, eletroforese em gel de agarose, análise elementar, UV/Vis, IV, RMN 1H, FAB MS, susceptibilidade magnética e EPR. Utilizou-se as porfirinas H2(TNPP) e H2(TCPP) e FeP correspondentes como padrões de comparação, tornando a série completa. A purificação e caracterização destas porfirinas mostraram-se bastante complexas devido à presença de grupos ionizáveis resultando em grandes diferenças de solubilidade na série e efeitos de agregação. Estes efeitos foram mais pronunciados para as porfirinas contendo maior número de grupos COOH. O estudo da atividade catalítica da série de FeP foi desenvolvido inicialmente em meio homogêneo, utilizando diferentes substratos como: (Z)-cicloocteno, cicloexeno, cicloexano e adamantano. As FeP sintetizadas mostraram-se catalisadores eficientes e seletivos para a hidroxilação de alcanos e epoxidação de alcenos. A estabilidade da Fe(TNMCPP)Cl foi investigada em reações com múltiplas adições de oxidante. Observou-se uma alta estabilidade para este catalisador em solução, com bons rendimentos em epóxido para até sete ciclos consecutivos, e um alto número de turnover (1142). A Fe(TNMCPP)Cl foi ancorada na APS através de ligação covalente (peptídica) entre o grupo COOH da FeP e o grupo NH2 da sílica funcionalizada. Esta FeP foi selecionada por possuir apenas um grupo capaz de reagir com a sílica e, ao mesmo tempo, a proteção estérica de três grupos NO2 substituintes nas posições orto-, constituindo um sistema interessante do ponto de vista catalítico. Este sistema mostrou-se bastante eficiente na oxidação do (Z)-cicloocteno. O número máximo de turnover catalítico para esta FeP suportada foi de 595 após três adições sucessivas de oxidante. A Fe(TNMCPP)Cl foi ancorada na APS também por atração eletrostática, porém este sistema mostrou-se menos eficiente como catalisador na oxidação do (Z)-cicloocteno. / In this work, a series of porphyrins and corresponding FeP containing NO2-substituents in the ortho- or COOH-groups in the para- meso-phenyl rings were synthesized and the catalytic activities of such compounds were investigated in both homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. H2(TNMCPP), H2(DNDCPP) and H2(MNTCPP) porphyrins were synthesized through the mixed co-condensation of pyrrole and different benzaldehydes (2-nitrobenzaldehyde and 4-carboxybenzaldehyde) in propionic acid and nitrobenzene media. The porphyrins were then isolated and purified through silica gel chromatography, having a solvent mixture DCM : ACT : HAc (8 : 2 : 0,1). The characterization of the free-base porphyrins and the corresponding FeP was carried out through TLC, electrophoresis on agarose gel, elemental analysis, UV/Vis, infra red, RMN 1H, FAB MS, magnetic susceptibility and EPR. H2(TNPP) and H2(TCPP) and corresponding FeP were used for comparison, thus completing the porphyrin series. The purification and characterization of these porphyrins proved to be very complex due the presence of ionic groups. This resulted in different solubilities throughout the series, as well as aggregation effects. Such effects were more pronounced with porphyrins containing a greater number of COOH groups. The study of the catalytic activities of the FeP was initially carried out in homogeneous system, by using various substrates: (Z)-cyclooctene, cyclohexene, cyclohexane and adamantane. The synthesized FeP were efficient and selective catalysts for alkane hydroxilation and alkene epoxidation. The stability of Fe(TNMCPP)Cl was investigated by multiple oxidant addition. A high stability was observed for this catalyst in homogeneous system, since it led to good epoxide yields up to the seventh cycle and an excellent turnover number of 1142. Fe(TNMCPP)Cl was supported on APS through covalent binding of the peptidic type between COOH groups in the FeP and NH2 group on the funcionalized silica. This FeP was chosen for the study since it has only one group that is capable of reacting with the silica, at the same time that it presents sterical hindrance confered by the three NO2 groups in the ortho-position. This is a very interesting system from the catalytical point of view. Such system proved to be very efficient in the oxidation of (Z)-cyclooctene. The maximum catalytic turnover attained with this supported FeP was of 595, after three sucessive additions of oxidant. Fe(TNMCPP)Cl was also supported on APS though electrostatic binding, but this system was a less efficient catalyst for (Z)-cyclooctene oxidation.

Cheung, Chi Wai. / "December 2010." / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references. / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Choi, Kwong Shing. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references. / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

by Yiu-bong Leung. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 67-68). / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgment --- p.ii / Abbreviation --- p.iii / List of spectra --- p.iv / Contents --- p.v / Chapter Part 1: --- A New Synthesis of Rhodium(II) and Iridium(II) Octaethyl- porphyrin Dimers / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Objective --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Literature Survey --- p.1-7 / Chapter 1.2 --- Result and Discussion --- p.8-10 / Chapter 1.3 --- Conclusion --- p.11 / Chapter Part 2: --- Substituent Effect of meso-pαrα-Arylsubstituted Octabromo- tetraphenylporphyrins / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Objective --- p.12 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Literature Survey --- p.12-17 / Chapter 2.2 --- Result and Discussion --- p.18-28 / Chapter 2.3 --- Conclusion --- p.29 / Chapter Part 3: --- "Thermolysis of [2，3，7，8,12,13,17,18-0ctachloro-5,10,15,20- tetrakis(4'-tert-butylphenyl)porphyrinato]-2-phenylethyl- rhodium(III)" / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Objective --- p.30 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Literature Survey --- p.30-31 / Chapter 3.2 --- Result and Discussion --- p.32-45 / Chapter 3.3 --- Conclusion --- p.46 / Experimental Section --- p.47-64 / References --- p.65-68 / Spectra --- p.69-83

Song, Xu. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 92-96). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Table of Contents --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.iii / Abbreviations --- p.iv / Abstract --- p.v / Chapter Part I --- Carbon-Carbon Bonds Activation (CCA) of Ketones by Iridium(III) Porphyrins / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Carbon-Carbon Bonds Activation by Transition Metals --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Thermodynamic and Kinetic Considerations in CCA --- p.1 / Chapter 1.3 --- C-C Bonds Activation by Low Valent Transition Metal Complexes --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- CCA in Strained System --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- CCA Driven by Aromatization --- p.6 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Chelation Assisted CCA --- p.8 / Chapter 1.4 --- C-C Bonds Activation by High Valent Transition Metal Complexes --- p.11 / Chapter 1.5 --- Previous Mechanistic Studies on CCA by High Valent Transition Metal Complexes --- p.14 / Chapter 1.6 --- Objective of the Work --- p.16 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Carbon-Carbon Bonds Activation (CCA) of Ketones by Iridium(III) Porphyrins / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.17 / Chapter 2.2 --- CCA of Aromatic Ketones with Iridium(III) Porphyrins --- p.17 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- CCA of Aromatic Ketones with Ir(III) Porphyrin Chloride --- p.17 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- CCA of Aromatic Ketones with Ir(III) Porphyrin Methyl --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Steric Effect on CCA with Ir(III) Porphyrins --- p.21 / Chapter 2.3 --- CCA of Aliphatic Ketones with Iridium(III) Porphyrins --- p.21 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- CCA of Unstrained Aliphatic Ketones with Ir(III) Porphyrins --- p.21 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- CCA of Cyclic Aliphatic Ketones with Ir(III) Porphyrins --- p.22 / Chapter 2.4 --- Summary --- p.23 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Preliminary Mechanistic Studies of Carbon-Carbon Bonds Activation (CCA) / Chapter 3.1 --- Proposed Mechanism of CCA with Ir(III) Porphyrin Chloride --- p.24 / Chapter 3.2 --- Proposed Mechanism of CCA with Ir(III) Porphyrin Methyl --- p.27 / Chapter 3.3 --- Determination of CCA co-product in situ --- p.30 / Chapter 3.4 --- Summary --- p.31 / Experimental Section --- p.33 / References --- p.44 / List of Spectra I --- p.48 / Chapter Part II --- Supramolecular Chemistry of C6o with Ir(III) Porphyrin Methyl / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Supramolecular Interactions --- p.62 / Chapter 1.2 --- Introduction of C6o --- p.67 / Chapter 1.3 --- Supramolecular Interactions between C6o and Metalloporphyrins --- p.70 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Discovery of Supramolecular Interactions between C6o And Metalloporphyrins --- p.70 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Development of C6o-Metalloporphyrin Supramolecular Structure and Application --- p.71 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Investigation on C6o-Metalloporphyrin Bonding Nature --- p.73 / Chapter 1.4 --- Objective of the Work --- p.76 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Supramolecular Interaction between C60 and Ir(III) Porphyrin Methyl / Chapter 2.1 --- Synthesis of C60-Ir(ttp)Me Complexes --- p.77 / Chapter 2.2 --- X-ray Structure Analysis of C60-Ir(ttp)Me Complexes --- p.78 / Chapter 2.3 --- 1H NMR Analysis of C60-Ir(ttp)Me Complexes --- p.83 / Chapter 2.4 --- 13C NMR Analysis of C60-Ir(ttp)Me Complexes --- p.84 / Chapter 2.5 --- Binding Constant of C60-Ir(ttp)Me Complexes Using UV-Vis Analysis --- p.85 / Chapter 2.6 --- Summary --- p.87 / Experimental Section --- p.88 / References --- p.92 / Appendix --- p.97 / List of Spectra II --- p.101 / Reprint of OM Paper --- p.112 / Supporting Information for Organometallics Paper --- p.118

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-24T19:38:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Elementos pre textuais.pdf: 126219 bytes, checksum: a4c1ca3bb1afd43046bbfa4177592e32 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-02-26 / There is a considerable interest in the synthesis of water soluble porphyrins due to its use as models of biological systems, as drugs and as homogeneous catalysts in aqueous media. Within this context, this work describes the synthesis of meso-tetraphenylporphyrins with reactive groups on the meso-phenyl ring to generate trimethylarylammonium salts derivatives, resulting in cationic porphyrins with hydrophilic character. Thus, it was obtained iodide salts of 4-TMA-TPP 13 by the complete alkylation of 4-DMA-TPP 15 (91% yield), and 4-NH2-TPP 12 using 2,6-lutidine (69% yield). The synthesis of porphyrins 2-NO2-TPP 16, 2-NH2-TPP 17, 4-NO2-TPP 14, 4-NH2-TPP 12 and 4-DMA-TPP 15 were also studied. The methods described in the literature for the synthesis of 2-NO2-TPP 16 and 4-NO2-TPP 14 were optimized, and the yield (40%) of for 2-NO2-TPP 16 was higher than those reported in the literature (5% overall yield). Porphyrins 17 and 12 were obtained by reduction of 16 and 14, respectively, using concentrated hydrochloric acid and tin (II) chloride dihydrate, without requiring an inert atmosphere. The method was improved, thus facilitating the isolation and purification steps. The synthesis of 4-DMA-TPP 15 was performed using both Adler-Longo method (5% yield) and a modification of Adler’s method, using 1:1 mixture of propionic and octanoic acids (7,0% yield). The porphyrins were fully characterized by infrared, UV-Vis and RMN spectroscopies. All the spectral data were consistent with those reported in the literature. / Há considerável interesse na síntese de porfirinas aquossolúveis devido à possibilidade de usá-las como modelos de sistemas biológicos, como drogas e como catalisadores homogêneos em meio aquoso. Dentro deste contexto, este trabalho descreve a síntese de meso-tetrafenilporfirinas com substituintes reativos no anel meso-fenila para obtenção de derivado porfirínico catiônico, resultando em porfirinas com caráter hidrofílico. Assim, obtivemos sais de iodeto de 4-TMA-TPP 13 a partir da metilação de 4-DMA-TPP 15, com rendimento de 91%, e a partir da metilação de 4-NH2-TPP 12, usando 2,6-lutidina, com rendimento de 69%. A reação de obtenção das porfirinas 2-NO2-TPP 16, 2-NH2-TPP 17, 4-NO2-TPP 14, 4-NH2-TPP 12 e 4-DMA-TPP 15 também foram estudadas. Os métodos descritos na literatura para a síntese da 2-NO2-TPP 16 e 4-NO2-TPP 14 foram alterados para facilitar e otimizar as etapas de isolamento e purificação. Para a 2-NO2-TPP 16 obteve-se rendimento de 40%, superior aos 5% descritos em literatura. As amino-porfirinas 17 e 12 foram obtidas por redução de 14 e 16, respectivamente, utilizando-se ácido clorídrico concentrado e cloreto de estanho (II) dihidratado e, sem a necessidade de atmosfera inerte. O método foi assim simplificado, facilitando as etapas de isolamento e purificação. A síntese da 4-DMA-TPP 15 foi a partir do método Adler-Longo, com rendimento de 5,0%, e a partir do método de Adler-Longo modificado em que utilizou-se como solvente uma mistura 1:1 de ácido propanóico e octanóico, com rendimento de 7,0%. As porfirinas sintetizadas foram caracterizadas por espectrometria na região do infravermelho (IV), do ultravioleta e visível (UV-Vis) e por ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN) de H1 e C13. Os dados espectrais obtidos estão de acordo com os descritos na literatura.

A síntese, caracterização e propriedades fotofísicas e fotoquímicas de uma série de meso-(fenilpiridil)porfirinas, com n substituintes fenila e 4-n substituintes piridina (n = 1 a 4), e as respectivas espécies supermoleculares obtidas pela coordenação de complexos [Ru(2,2\'-bipy)2Cl]+ aos nitrogênios piridínicos, são descritos. Os resultados dos estudos espectroscópicos e eletroquímicos foram consistentes com as estruturas propostas. Foi constatada a ocorrência de processo de transferência de energia do estado MLCT3 dos complexos periféricos para o estado singlete da porfirina em vidro de etanol, e para o estado triplete a 25°C. Esses resultados sugerem que o estado excitado MLCT3 está energeticamente acima do estado S1, a 77 K, e existe uma interação eletrônica significativa entre os complexos de rutênio e o anel porfirínico. A temperatura ambiente, a transferência de energia para o estado singlete da porfirina é ineficiente devido a rápida desativação não radiativa do estado MLCT3. Esse fato foi confirmado pelo espectro de excitação, que reproduz apenas as bandas de absorção da porfirina. O rendimento quântico de fluorescência da porfirina sofre uma diminuição bastante pronunciada quando em presença de O2 dissolvido, que parecem ser inversamente proporcionais ao número de substituintes piridina. Além disso, o tempo de vida, a constante de velocidade de supressão pelo O2 e o rendimento quântico de formação de oxigênio singlete a partir da espécie no estado triplete T1, parecem não ser influenciados pelo número de complexos [Ru(bipy)2Cl]+ coordenados ao anel porfirínico. Nenhuma fotodecomposição foi observada durante os experimentos. Os rendimentos quânticos de oxigênio singlete (~O,5) obtidos para as porfirinas supermoleculares são comparável ao de outros fotossensibilizadores porfirínicos utilizados em estudos de terapia fotodinâmica. Logo, a estratégia de se introduzir complexos de rutênio bipiridina como modificadores das propriedades das meso(fenilpiridil)porfirinas, e também como novos sítios de interação, por exemplo, com biomoléculas, parece ser adequada para a preparação de novos sensibilizadores supramoleculares. / The preparation, characterization and photophysical and photochemical properties of a series of meso-(phenylpyridyl)porphyrins, with n phenyl and 4n pyridyl substituents (n =1 to 4), and the respective supermolecular species obtained by the coordination of [Ru{2,2\'-bipy)2Cl]+ complexes to the pyridine nitrogen atoms, are described. The results of the spectroscopic and electrochemical studies were consistent . with the proposed molecular structures. The occurrence of energy transfer processes from the MLCT3 state of the peripheral ruthenium complexes to the porphyrin singlet state in ethanol glass, and to the triplet state at room temperature, were observed. These strongly suggest that the excited MLCT3 state is energetically above the porphyrin S1 state (77 K), and that there is a sufficiently strong electronic interaction between the ruthenium complexes and the porphyrin ring. The energy transfer from MLCT3 to the porphyrin S1 state is inefficient at room temperature, because ofthe fast non-radiactive deactivation of that excited state. This was confirmed by the excitation spectra, that exhibited only the absorption bands ofthe porphyrin moiety. The fluorescence quantum yield of the porphyrin is decreased in presence of dissolved O2, and this behavior seems to be inversely proportional to the number of pyridyl substituents. Furthermore, the lifetime, the quenching rate constant by 02 and the singlet oxygen quantum yields for the porphyrin triplet state, seems to be independent of the number of [Ru(bipy)2Cl]+ complexes coordinated to the ring. No photodecomposition were observed during the above experiments. The singlet oxygen quantum yields (~O,5) determined for the supermolecular porphyrins are comparable to that of other porphyrin type photosensitizers used in studies on photodynamic terapy. Consequently, the strategy of coordinating ruthenium bipyridyl complexes as modifiers ofthe meso-(phenylpyridyl)porphyrins and also as new interaction sites, for example for biomolecules, seems adequate for the preparation of new supermolecular photosensitizers.

Porfirinas são produtos formados como intermediários na biossíntese do heme, variando de 8 a 4 grupos carboxilas: uro, hepta, hexa, penta e coproporfirinas. Alterações no perfil de porfirinas urinárias podem ser originados por uma causa hereditária ou por exposição ambiental/ocupacional. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estabelecer um método de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) com detecção por fluorescência, sensível o suficiente para estimar valores de referência das frações de porfirinas urinárias, denominadas de perfil, para uma população da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. A urina, amostra isolada, foi coletada de 126 indivíduos (18-65 anos) de ambos os sexos e não expostos ocupacionalmente a agentes porfirinogênicos tais como organoclorados, As, Hg e Pb. Os resultados obtidos apresentaram distribuição não-paramétrica e os valores de referência em µg/g of creatinina, média ± dp e percentil 2,5 - 97,5 % foram: para a fração uro: 5,3 ± 6,0 e 0 - 20,8; para copro: 42,8 ± 26,4 e 7,4-133,6 e para porfirinas totais: 48,1 ± 27,7 e 7,4-159,4 respectivamente. As frações hepta, hexa e penta não foram quantificadas. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significantes para os grupos de sexo e idade. O grupo de fumantes apresentou níveis mais baixos de copro e porfirinas totais (mediana 37,19 e 43,48) comparado com o grupo de nãofumantes (mediana 22,49 e 27,18). O método proposto, permite detectar discretas alterações na excreção de porfirinas e os limites de referência estimados têm potencial a serem utilizados como biomarcadores na exposição a agentes porfirinogênicos. / Porphyrins which are formed as intermediates in heme biosynthesis, vary from eight to four carboxyl groups: uro, hepta, hexa, penta and coproporphyrins. Alterations in the urinary porphyrin excretion profile may be caused by a hereditary disease or by environmental/occupational exposure. The purpose of this study was to establish a sensitive and accurate highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with fluorescence detection to estimate reference ranges of urinary porphyrin fractions in a population of São Paulo city, Brazil. Random urine samples were collected from 126 subjects (18 - to 65-year-old) of both sexes not occupationally exposed to porphyrinogenic agents such as chlorinated hydrocarbons, As, Hg and Pb. Distribution were nonparametric and reference ranges obtained in µg/g of creatinine, mean ± SD and 2,5 -97,5 th percentile were: for 8- carboxyl (uro): 5,3 ± 6,0 and 0 - 20,8; for 4-carboxyl (copro): 42,8 ± 26,4 and 7,4-133,6 and for total porphyrins: 48,1 ± 27,7 and 7,4 -159,4 respectively. Hepta, hexa and pentaporphyrins were not quantified. No statistically significant correlation was found for sex and age. Smokers had lower levels of copro and total porphyrins statistically significant (median 37,19 and 43,48) than nonsmokers (median 22,49 and 27,18). The proposed method, which allows for the detection of minor alterations in porphyrin excretion and the reference ranges estimated are potentially applicable as biological markers in exposure to porphyrinogenic agents.