Controlling the reactivity of phthalonitriles for the efficient synthesis of chiral phthalocyanines with self-assembly abilities

4-Nitrophthalonitrile was used to initiate the self-condensation of binaphthyloxy-bridged phthalonitrile AA-2, rendering the elusive Zn( ii ) phthalocyanine (AA)2-2 that was further endowed with cationic tails to form an amphiphilic derivative.