The compound forms blue microcrystals that dissolve in chlorinated solvent to give brown solutions.

In terms of structure, the complex is five-coordinate with idealized C4v point group symmetry.

[1] It is one of more common transition metal porphyrin complexes.

Fe(TPP)Cl is prepared by the reaction of tetraphenylporphyrin (H2TPP) and ferrous chloride in the presence of air: The chloride can be replaced with other halides and pseudohalides.

Base gives the "mu-oxo dimer": Most relevant to catalysis, the complex is easily reduced to give ferrous derivatives (L = pyridine, imidazole): The complex is widely studied as a catalyst.