Abstract: Colorimetric sensors based on metal phthalocyanines (MPcs) provide a cost-effective and visually accessible alternative to porphyrin-based systems. However, they remain underrepresented in literature surveys. This review aims to systematically analyze MPc-based colorimetric sensors for the detection of various analytes, including gaseous species (e.g. NO2, NH3, H2S, volatile organic compounds), ionic species (cations and anions), pH variations, and biomolecules. The sensors were developed between 2012 and 2025, and their response mechanisms were categorized into direct chromogenic and indirect catalytic responses. Quantitative analysis revealed that while some sensors achieve detection limits suitable for environmental monitoring (e.g., H2S at 0.1 ppm, Cu2+ at 5.53 × 10–7 M, F⁻ at 0.56 μM), others demonstrate superior sensitivity through peroxidase-mimetic composite approaches, reaching nanomolar levels in H2O2 detection. Special attention is paid to the relationship between the MPc structure and sensor response, including the role of central metal ions, peripheral substituents, and matrix integration. Despite promising laboratory results, there are still several critical challenges that need to be overcome. Fewer than 15% of the reported systems demonstrate reversibility, and most of them operate in organic solvents that are not compatible with biological or environmental matrices.

Cite: Basova T.
Metal phthalocyanines as versatile platforms for colorimetric sensing
Journal of Molecular Structure. 2026. V.1364. 145843 :1-28. DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2026.145843 OpenAlex

Dates:

Submitted:	Jan 14, 2026
Published print:	Jul 5, 2026

Identifiers:

≡ OpenAlex:

W7133220406

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