A series of linear monomers (spacer-M(P)), dimers (M(P)-spacer-M'(P)), and trimers (M(P)-spacer-M'(P) spacer-M(P)) of spacer/metalloporphyrin systems (M' = Zn, M = Zn, Pd, P = porphyrin, and spacer = trans-C6H4C CPtL2C CC6H4- (L=PEt3)) including mixed metalloporphyrin compounds, were synthesized and characterized, The S-1 and T-1 energy transfers Pd(P)*-> Zn(P) occur with rates of similar to 2 x 10(9) s(-1), S-1, and 0.15 x 10(3) (slow component) and 4.3 x 10(3) s(-1) (fast component), T-1. On the basis of a literature comparison with a related dyad, the Pt atom in the conjugated chain slows down the transfers. The excitation in the absorption band of the trans-C6H4C CPtL2C CC6H4-spacer in the 300-360 nm range also leads to T-1 energy transfer (spacer*-> M(P); M = Zn, Pd) with rates of 10(4) s(-1).