Pheophorbide A

Synonym(s):(3S,4S,21R)-9-Ethenyl-14-ethyl-21-(methoxycarbonyl)-4,8,13,18-tetramethyl-20-oxo-3-phorbinepropanoic acid;Deacetyl-2-vinylbacteriopheophorbide;pheophorbide a;Pheophorbide a5

CAS NO.：15664-29-6
Empirical Formula: C35H36N4O5
Molecular Weight: 592.7
MDL number: MFCD00210345
EINECS: 239-738-5
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-06-02 09:21:32

What is Pheophorbide A?

The Uses of Pheophorbide A

Pheophorbide a is a chlorophyll-related compound studied for it’s anti-tumor & anti-cancer activity.

The Uses of Pheophorbide A

Pheophorbide-a has been used as a photosensitizer:

for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) in oral cancer cell lines
to test its effect on inducing oxidative stress and death in L. amazonensis
to test its effect on the viability of HeLa cells

Definition

ChEBI: Pheophorbide a is a pheophorbide. It is a conjugate acid of a pheophorbide a(2-).

What are the applications of Application

Pheophorbide a is a chlorophyll-related compound studied for its anti-tumor and anti-cancer activity.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Pheophorbide-a, due to its photosensitizing effect, may serve as a promising bioactive compound to treat leishmaniasis. It is a metabolite of chlorophyll and possesses immunostimulation functionality. Pheophorbide-a is a photosensitizer for the photodynamic therapy. It is an ATP Binding Cassette Subfamily G Member 2 (ABCG2) transporter specific substrate. Overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in cancer cells is associated with the multidrug resistance phenotype.

Enzyme inhibitor

This chlorophyll a degradation intermediate (MW = 579.68 g/mol; CAS 15664-29-6), which is identical to chlorophyll a, except for the absence of the latter’s magnesium ion and ester at the 17-position, is obtained by acid hydrolysis of chlorophyll a. Pheophorbide a inhibits acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase and magnesium protoporphyrin IX methyltransferase, acts as an endothelin receptor antagonist, and also induces apoptosis. Pheophorbide a is also as an anti-tumor promoter.

Properties of Pheophorbide A

Melting point:	191-195 °C
Boiling point:	1019.0±65.0 °C(Predicted)
Density	1.282±0.06 g/cm3(Predicted)
storage temp.	Keep in dark place,Inert atmosphere,Store in freezer, under -20°C
solubility	DMSO: soluble0.5mg/mL, clear (warmed)
form	Solid
color	blue, to dark brown to black
Stability:	Light Sensitive
EPA Substance Registry System	3-Phorbinepropanoic acid, 9-ethenyl-14-ethyl-21-(methoxycarbonyl)-4,8,13,18-tetramethyl-20-oxo-, (3S,4S,21R)- (15664-29-6)

Safety information for Pheophorbide A

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H302:Acute toxicity,oral H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P261:Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P301+P312:IF SWALLOWED: call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician IF you feel unwell. P302+P352:IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of soap and water. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.