Process for preparing a metal-free phthalocyanine

摘要

Phthalonitrile, an alkali metal or an alkali metal compound, and a hydrogen donor compound are heated in an organic solvent to synthesize a partially hydrogenated alkali metal phthalocyanine, which is then brought into contact with a dealkalizing agent to effect substitution with hydrogen of the partially hydrogenated alkali metal phthalocyanine to thereby obtain high-purity metal-free phthalocyanine. FX-type metal-free phthalocyanine as obtained according to the foregoing procedure may be used as a charge-generating substance to produce an electrophotographic photoconductor of high image quality which is highly sensitive to near infrared rays.