Focuses on the use of porphyrins and porphyrinogenic compounds as herbicides, insecticides, and pharmaceuticals. Discusses the synthesis, chemical structure, structure-activity relationships, and mode of action of porphyric herbicides. Examines the mammalian toxicology of porphyrins and porphyrinogenic compounds used in insecticides and therapeutic agents. Also describes the use of porphyrins and porphyrinogenic compounds as pharmaceuticals for the treatment of
cancer and metabolic disorders.