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A porphyrin is a heterocyclic macrocycle derived from four pyrrole-like subunits interconnected via their α carbon atoms via methine bridges (=CH-). The macrocycle, therefore, is highly conjugated, and consequently deeply coloured, hence the name porphyrin, from a Greek word for purple. The macrocycle has 26 pi electrons. The parent porphyrin in porphine, and substituted porphines are called porphyins. Many porphyrins occur in nature and in bio-inspired synthetic catalysts and devices.