Synthesis of 2-(substituted methyl)-3,4-disubstituted pyrroles and their conversion into the corresponding porphyrins

2-Hydroxymethyl-1-methylsulfonyl-3,4-disubstituted pyrroles and 2-hydroxymethyl-3,4-disubstituted pyrroles were effectively converted into the corresponding 2-(substituted methyl)pyrrole derivatives by the reaction with various nucleophiles in the presence of base. These products were further transformed to the corresponding porphyrins regioselectively under almost neutral or basic conditions