Chlorophyll derivatives 2a, 2b, 2c and 3 have been readily converted to their corresponding phytoporphyrins 5a, 5b, 5c in excellent yields using benzoyl chloride in DMF. This method affords a new and efficient route to prepare monovinyl porphyrins which can be used as intermediates for the further preparation of chlorophyll related petroporphyrins and regiochemically pure benzoporphyrin derivatives for use in photodynamic therapy.