Partially meso-free 2,3-di(arylethynyl) porphyrins were synthesized by the Sonogashira coupling reactions of 2,3-diiodoporphyrin, which is a useful precursor for beta-substituted porphyrins. The porphyrins exhibited broadened and red-shifted absorption, suggesting effective pi-conjugation between the porphyrin core and the aryl groups through the acetylene pi-spacer.