A3B-type meso-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrins were prepared either by stepwise coupling of aniline substituents to meso-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) or by utilizing its partially protected trimethyl ester derivative. We demonstrate the high utility of this building block, which can be synthesized in very good yields by microwave-assisted Me3SnOH hydrolysis.