Soluble 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-tert-butylphenyl) metalloporphyrins [M(TBP), M = Mg, Cu, Tb(OAc), Lu(OAc), La(OAc)] have been rapidly synthesized by microwave irradiation. They can be prepared from 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-tert-butylphenyl) porphyrins [H-2(TBP)] or from pyrrole and 4-tert-butylbenzaldehyde with appropriate metal salts. Furthermore, their fluorescent properties have also been investigated. The experimental results reveal that the fluorescent properties of metalloporphyrins depend on their central metals due to heavy-atom effect. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.