5, 10, 15, 20-Tetra (4-n-butylphenylethynyl) porphyrin has been synthesised from 4-n- butylphenylpropynal and converted into its zinc (II) and lead (II) complexes. The solution electronic spectra of these porphyrins are compared to the analogous complexes of 5, 10, 15, 20-tetra (trimethylsilylethynyl) porphyrin. The aryl rings of the tetra (4-n- butylphenylethynyl) porphyrin extend the porphyrin chromophore, resulting in an increase ...