Up-to-date and written by leading experts, this book is unique in a rapidly expanding field. It provides in-depth discussions and descriptions of the materials, electronic properties and applications of phthalocyanines. Aspects of phthalocyanines covered include * synthesis * polymer aspects * electronic spectroscopy * excited state chemistry and physics * chemical sensors * biological aspects (e.g. photodynamic therapy of cancer) The numerous tables, chemical structures, and references are particularly handy source materials for both the novice and experienced researcher and industrial practitioner interested in phthalocyanines.