Benzo[g]quinoxaline-Based Complexes [Ir(pbt)2(dppn)]Cl and [Ir(pt)2(dppn)]Cl: Modulation of Photo-Oxidation Activity and Light-Controlled Luminescence.

Based on benzo[i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (dppn) with photo-oxidation activity, complexes [Ir(pbt)2(dppn)]Cl (1) and [Ir(pt)2(dppn)]Cl (2) have been synthesized (pbtH = 2-phenylbenzothiazole, and ptH = 2-phenylthiazole), with two aims, including studying the influence of the cyclometalating ligands (pbt- in 1, pt- in 2) on the photo-oxidation activity of these complexes and exploring their photo-oxidation-induced luminescence. Both 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray (ES) mass spectrometry indicate that the benzo[g]quinoxaline moiety in complex 1 can be oxidized at room temperature upon irradiation with 415 nm light. Thus, this complex in CH2Cl2 shows photo-oxidation-induced turn-on yellow luminescence. In contrast, complex 2 reveals significant structural decomposition during the process of photo-oxidation due to incorporating a cyclometalating ligand pt- instead of pbt- in complex 1. In this paper, we report the photo-oxidation behaviors and the related luminescence modulation in 1 and 2 and discuss the relationship between structure and photo-oxidation activity in these complexes.

Single-Molecule MicroRNA Electrochemiluminescence Detection Using Cyclometalated Dinuclear Ir(III) Complex with Synergistic Effect.

The realization of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection at the single-molecule level is a longstanding goal of ECL assay that requires a novel ECL probe with significantly enhanced luminescence. Here, the synergistic effect of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is observed unprecedentedly in a new cyclometalated dinuclear Ir(III) complex [Ir2(dfppy)4(imiphenH)]PF6 (1·PF6, PF6- = hexafluorophosphate) in which two {Ir(dfppy)2}+ units are bridged by an imiphenH- ligand. The ECL intensity from complex 1·PF6 is 4.4 and 28.7 times as high as that of its reference mononuclear complexes 2 and 3·PF6, respectively. Theoretical calculation reveals that the S0 to S1 excitation is a local excitation in 1·PF6 with two electron-coupled Ir(III) centers, which contributes to the enhanced ECL. The synergistic effect of ECL in 1·PF6 can be used to detect microRNA 21 at the single-molecule level (microRNA 21: UAGCUUAUCAGACUGAUGUUGA), with detectable ECL emission from this complex intercalated in DNA/microRNA 21 duplex as low as 90 helix molecules. The finding of the synergistic effect of ECL will not only provide a novel strategy for the modulation of ECL intensity but also enable the detection of microRNA at the single-molecule level.

Two Anthracene-Based Ir(III) Complexes [Ir(pbt)2(aip)]Cl and [Ir(pbt)2(aipm)]Cl: Relationship between Substituent Group and Photo-oxidation Activity as Well as Photo-oxidation-Induced Luminescence.

Two anthracene-based complexes [Ir(pbt)2(aip)]Cl (1) and [Ir(pbt)2(aipm)]Cl (2) have been synthesized based on the ligands aip = 2-(9-anthryl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, aipm = 2-(9-anthryl)-1-methyl-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, and pbtH = 2-phenylbenzothiazole in order to explore both the influence of the substituent group R1 (R1 = H in 1 and CH3 in 2) on photo-oxidation activity and photo-oxidation-induced luminescence. Both 1H NMR spectra and ES mass spectra indicate that the anthracene moiety in complex 1 can be oxidized at room temperature upon irradiation with 365 nm light. Thus, this complex shows photo-oxidation-induced turn-on yellow luminescence. Compared to 1, complex 2 incorporates an R1 = CH3 group, resulting in very weak photo-oxidation activity. On the basis of experimental results and quantum chemical calculation, we report the differences between 1 and 2 in both photo-oxidation behavior and the related luminescence modulation and discuss the relationship between photo-oxidation activity and substituent group R1 in these complexes.

Aggregation-Induced Electrochemiluminescence from a Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complex.

Aggregation-induced emission has been extensively found in organic compounds and metal complexes. In contrast, aggregation-induced electrochemiluminescence (AI-ECL) is rarely observed. Here, we employ two tridentate ligands [2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (tpy) and 1,3-bis(1 H-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzene (bbbiH3)] to construct a cyclometalated iridium(III) complex, [Ir(tpy)(bbbi)] (1), showing strong AI-ECL. Its crystal structure indicates that neighboring [Ir(tpy)(bbbi)] molecules are connected through both π-π-stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds. These supramolecular interactions can facilitate the self-assembly of complex 1 into nanoparticles in an aqueous solution. The efficient restriction of molecular vibration in these nanoparticles leads to strong AI-ECL emission of complex 1. In a dimethyl sulfoxide-water (H2O) mixture with a gradual increase in the H2O fraction from 20% to 98%, complex 1 showed a ∼39-fold increase in the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) intensity, which was ∼4.04 times as high as that of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ under the same experimental conditions. Moreover, the binding of bovine serum albumin to the nanoparticles of complex 1 can improve the ECL emission of this complex, facilitating the understanding of the mechanism of AI-ECL for future applications.

Combined two-photon excitation and d→f energy transfer in a water-soluble Ir(III)/Eu(III) dyad: two luminescence components from one molecule for cellular imaging.

The first example of cell imaging using two independent emission components from a dinuclear d/f complex is reported. A water-stable, cell-permeable Ir(III) /Eu(III) dyad undergoes partial Ir→Eu energy transfer following two-photon excitation of the Ir unit at 780 nm. Excitation in the near-IR region generated simultaneously green Ir-based emission and red Eu-based emission from the same probe. The orders-of-magnitude difference in their timescales (Ir ca. µs; Eu ca. 0.5 ms) allowed them to be identified by time-gated detection. Phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (PLIM) allowed the lifetime of the Ir-based emission to be measured in different parts of the cell. At the same time, the cells are simultaneously imaged by using the Eu-based emission component at longer timescales. This new approach to cellular imaging by using dual d/f emitters should therefore enable autofluorescence-free sensing of two different analytes, independently, simultaneously and in the same regions of a cell.

Cobalt and manganese diphosphonates with one-, two-, and three-dimensional structures and field-induced magnetic transitions.

Reactions of 2-(1-Imidazole)-1-hydroxyl-1,1'-ethylidenediphosphonic acid (ImhedpH(4)) and cobalt or manganese salts under hydrothermal conditions result in three new metal diphosphonates: ß-Co(3)(ImhedpH)(2)(H(2)O)(4)·2H(2)O (1), Co(3)(ImhedpH)(2)(H(2)O)(4) (2), and Mn(ImhedpH(2))·H(2)O (3). In compound 1, the columns made up of {Co1(2)O(2)} dimers and {PO(3)C} tetrahedra through corner-sharing are cross-linked through {Co2O(6)} octahedra, forming an inorganic layer. Neighboring layers are pillared by coordinated imidazole groups of ImhedpH(-) ligands, leading to a three-dimensional open framework containing two kinds of channels with sizes of 8.256 × 9.851 Å and 8.030 × 4.745 Å (van der Waals radii not accounted for). Compound 2 shows a layer structure, in which Co(3)(ImhedpH)(2)(H(2)O)(4) trimer units are connected through the corner-sharing of {Co1O(5)} trigonal bipyramids and {PO(3)C} tetrahedra, forming an inorganic layer containing 20-member rings composed of six Co atoms, two µ(3)-O1 units, and four O-P-O units. The noncoordinated imidazole groups protrude from two sides of the layer. Compound 3 shows a ladder structure, where the Mn(II) ions are bridged by ImhedpH(2)(2-) ligands through double O-P-O units to form a single chain, and two such chains are further fused together by sharing edges of {MnO(5)} trigonal bipyramids. The magnetic properties of 1-3 have been studied. Ferrimagnetism and field-induced magnetic transition from ferrimagnetism to a fully polarized state are observed in 1. Compounds 2 and 3 reveal dominant antiferromagnetic interactions between metal centers, and two-step field-induced magnetic phase transitions are found in 2.

Two cyclometalated Pt(ii) complexes showing reversible phosphorescence switching due to grinding-induced destruction and crystallization-induced formation of supramolecular dimer structure.

Complexes [Pt(dfppy)(pbdtmi)]PF6 (1) and [Pt(ppy)(pbdtmi)]PF6 (2) have been constructed based on dithienylethene-based N^N ligand pbdtmi, showing supramolecular dimer structure in which two coordination cations connect each other through π⋯π stacking interaction. The crystalline state samples of both 1 and 2 reveal strong phosphorescence (emission peak: around 579 nm for 1, and 551 nm for 2). Interestingly, a grinding treatment for either 1 or 2 leads to phosphorescence switching from on-state to off-state. The subsequent crystallization with toluene recovers the initial on-state. This work discusses the relationship between the supramolecular dimer structures and the related phosphorescence switching behaviors in 1 and 2, and also explores the photochromism of pbdtmi, 1 and 2.

Kinetics of solid state photodimerization of 1,4-dimethyl-2-pyridinone in its molecular compound.

The [4 + 4] photodimerization of 1,4-dimethyl-2-pyridinone (A) in its molecular compound with 1,1,6,6-tetraphenyl-2,4-hexadiyne-1,6-diol (I) was investigated by irradiation of a single crystal of the compound. The conversion to the product in a single-crystal to single-crystal transformation enabled the determination of its crystal structure after each exposure cycle of 10-20 min with a pulsed 355 nm laser light. The unit cell changes as a function of the conversion were monitored and showed monotonic changes. The kinetics of the reaction was studied at two different temperatures (230 and 280 K) and revealed a sigmoidal behavior that could be explained by the JMAK model for crystal growth with a mechanism that is intermediate between random distribution of products in the crystal and the existence of growing nuclei. The Arrhenius plot provided calculated activation energy of 32.5 kJ/mol.

Solvent-driven luminescence modulation/switching in an iridium(iii) complex containing an aldehyde group.

Complex [Ir(dfppy)2(phca)]PF6 (1) has been synthesized, which contains an aldehyde group in the N^N ligand phca = 1,10-phenanthroline-4-carbaldehyde, with the aim of exploring solvent-driven luminescence modulation/switching in this complex. Complex 1 shows green emission at 514 nm in CH3OH, while orange phosphorescence with the emissions at 516 and 624 nm in CH2Cl2. The solid-state structure of 1 is dependent on the crystallization solvent used, forming a red solid 1R in CH2Cl2, while a yellow solid 1Y in CHCl3. The neighboring [Ir(dfppy)2(phca)]+ cations in solid 1R are held together by ππ stacking interactions, while by van der Waals interactions in solid 1Y. The distinct packing structures of 1R and 1Y lead to their significantly different solid-state luminescence, weak orange phosphorescence for 1R (emission at 620 nm, Φ = 3.3%) and strong yellow phosphorescence for 1Y (emissions at 532 and 558 nm, Φ = 46.6%). Both 1R and 1Y show CH2Cl2/CHCl3-driven phosphorescence switching between orange and yellow, due to their structural interconversion through recrystallization. Moreover, the emission color of 1Y can be reversibly switched between yellow and orange through alternate pressing and recrystallization in CHCl3. This work discusses the relationship among the solvent, the structure and the luminescence modulation/switching of complex 1.

Chiral-layered metal phosphonate formed via spontaneous resolution showing dehydration-induced antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transformation.

Metal phosphonates M (II){(2-C 5H 4N)CH 2NHCH 2PO 3} (H 2O) [M = Mn ( 1), Cd ( 2)] with chiral-layered structures are obtained by spontaneous resolution using achiral starting materials. The magnetic behavior of 1 is transformed from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic upon dehydration.

Cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes [Ir(tpy)(bbibH2)Cl][PF6] and [Ir(tpy)(bmbib)Cl][PF6]: intramolecular ππ interactions leading to facile synthesis and enhanced luminescence.

Cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes [Ir(tpy)(bbibH2)Cl][PF6] (1·PF6) and [Ir(tpy)(bmbib)Cl][PF6] (2·PF6), and the control complex [Ir(tpy)(mbib)Cl][PF6] (3·PF6) were synthesized at 135 °C for 10 hours for the former two complexes, while at 190 °C for 24 hours for the latter complex, in which the cyclometalated ligands bbibH2-, bmbib- and mbib- incorporate one or two N-methylbenzoimidazole/benzimidazole units in order to explore the influence of the molecular structures of these complexes on their synthesis conditions and luminescence behaviors. The 1H NMR and crystal structure measurements indicate that both 1·PF6 and 2·PF6 contain intramolecular ππ stacking interactions between the non-coordinated N-methylbenzoimidazole/benzimidazole unit and the tpy ligand, but there are no such ππ interactions in 3·PF6. At room temperature, these complexes in CH3CN reveal an emission with a combination of 3MLCT and 3LC characteristics, occurring at 534 nm with a quantum yield Φ = 39.5% and a lifetime τ = 2.39 µs for 1·PF6, 536 nm with Φ = 66.4% and τ = 2.94 µs for 2·PF6, and 558 nm with Φ = 27.0% and τ = 1.75 µs for 3·PF6. Moreover, both 1·PF6 and 2·PF6 exhibit a TFA-induced luminescence decrease. Based on the comparison among 1·PF6, 2·PF6 and 3·PF6, we discuss the influence of intramolecular ππ interactions and Nimidazole-H/Nimidazole-CH3 units in 1·PF6 and 2·PF6 on their syntheses and luminescence.

Cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes incorporating a photoactive anthracene-based ligand: syntheses, crystal structures and luminescence switching by light irradiation.

Two cyclometalated complexes [Ir(dfppy)2(aip)](PF6) (1) and [Ir(ppy)2(aip)](PF6) (2) have been synthesized based on a photoactive anthracene-based ligand aip and cyclometalating ligands dfppyH and ppyH [dfppyH = (2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-pyridine), ppyH = 2-phenyl-pyridine]. Their crystal structures indicate that an aip ligand uses its phenanthroline moiety to chelate an {Ir(dfppy)2}+ unit in 1, while an {Ir(ppy)2}+ unit in 2. In CH2Cl2, the anthracene units in aip, 1 and 2 underwent photo-oxidation upon irradiation with 365 nm light, forming species aip-O, 1-O and 2-O, respectively. This photo-oxidation resulted in luminescence switching, from a luminescent state (emission at 493 nm) to a non-luminescent state for aip, while from a non-luminescent state to a luminescent state with an emission at 519 nm for 1 and 578 nm for 2. Additionally, the luminescence of aip, 1-O and 2-O in CH2Cl2 can be modulated by using TFA to protonate the imidazole units and/or non-coordinated phenanthroline moiety in these compounds. Upon adding TFA, aip showed luminescence quenching, while species 1-O and 2-O revealed both luminescence-intensity decrease and emission-wavelength increase (Δλ = 9 nm for 1-O, and Δλ = 4 nm for 2-O). In this paper, we discuss the luminescence switching/modulation of aip, 1 and 2 by light-irradiation-induced photo-oxidation of their anthracene units and by TFA treatment.

Cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes based on 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-pyridine and 2,2'-(2-phenyl-1H-imidazole-4,5-diyl)dipyridine: acid/base-induced structural transformation and luminescence switching, and photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution.

Based on ligands dfppyH and pidpyH, cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes [Ir(dfppy)2(pidpyH)](PF6) (1·PF6) and [Ir(dfppy)2(pidpy)] (2) have been synthesized. The crystal structures indicate that each {Ir(dfppy)2}+ unit is coordinated by a neutral ligand pidpyH in 1·PF6, while by a pidpy- anion in 2. The packing structure of 1·PF6 only exhibits electrostatic interactions and van der Waals interactions among [Ir(dfppy)2(pidpyH)]+ cations and PF6- ions. In contrast, the neighboring molecules in 2 are linked into a supramolecular chain structure through aromatic stacking interactions between two dfppy- ligands. In solution, 1·PF6 and 2 show acid/base-induced structural transformation due to the protonation/deprotonation of their pyridyl groups and/or imidazole units, which can be confirmed by their 1H NMR spectra. At room temperature, compounds 1·PF6, 2 and pidpyH in CH2Cl2 reveal TFA-induced luminescence switching behaviors, from a non-luminescence state to a luminescence state with an emission at 582 nm for both 1·PF6 and 2, and emission switching from 392 nm to 502 nm for pidpyH. These switching behaviors are associated with the protonation of pyridyl groups and/or imidazole units in 1·PF6, 2 and pidpyH. Moreover, compounds 1·PF6 and 2 were used as photosensitizers (PS) for reduction of water to hydrogen under the same experimental conditions. It was found that the amount of evolved hydrogen and the PS turnover number are 512 µmol and 102 for 1·PF6, and 131 µmol and 26 for 2, respectively. Thus, compound 1·PF6 has better photocatalytic activity than 2. In this paper, we discuss the modulation of luminescence and photocatalytic activities of 1·PF6 and 2 by varying the coordination mode and/or protonation extent of pidpyH/pidpy- ligands.

Coordination mode-induced isomeric cyclometalated [Ir(tpy)(nbi)Cl](PF6) complexes: distinct luminescence, self-assembly and cellular imaging behaviors.

Two isomeric Ir(iii) complexes Ir-O and Ir-R arising from the different coordination mode of a naphthalene-containing ligand, show distinct luminescence, self-assembly ability and cellular imaging behaviors.

Heteroleptic Ir(iii) and Pt(ii) complexes based on 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-pyridine and bisthienylethene BrLH: the influence of the metal center on structures, luminescence and photochromism.

Heteroleptic complexes [Ir(dfppy)2(BrL)]·3CH3OH () and [Pt(dfppy)(BrL)]·CH3OH () have been prepared based on the same ligands including bisthienylethene BrLH and dfppyH = (2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-pyridine). Complexes and reveal distinct crystal structures. The BrL(-) anion uses its phenol-imidazole moiety to coordinate with an {Ir(dfppy)2}(+) unit in the former, while with a {Pt(dfppy)}(+) unit in the latter. Neighboring [Ir(dfppy)2(BrL)]/[Pt(dfppy)(BrL)] molecules are connected through extensive hydrogen bonds and aromatic stacking interactions, thus forming a supramolecular chain structure in , and a layer structure in . Upon irradiation with 380 nm light, compound shows photochromic behavior in CH2Cl2, with a color change from nearly colorless to light green. However, no photochromism was observed in compound . At room temperature, compound reveals phosphorescence with a predominant (3)MLCT character both in CH2Cl2 solution (emissions at 495 and 513 nm) and in the solid state (emission at 524 nm). Compound exhibits phosphorescence with a predominant (3)LC character in CH2Cl2 solution (emission at 508 nm), but it is almost non-luminescent in the solid state. Our experimental results demonstrate that the metal centers in and could significantly influence their structures, photochromism, and luminescence behaviors.

Cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes containing quinoline-benzimidazole-based N

Cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes [Ir(dfppy)2(qbiH)](PF6) (1), [Ir(dfppy)2(qbim)](PF6)·H2O (2), [Ir(dfppy)2(qbio)](PF6) (3) and [Ir(dfppy)2(qbi)] (4) have been designed and prepared, in which the N^N ligands qbiH, qbim and qbio incorporate different substituent groups R on their imidazole units (H atom, CH3 group and n-C8H17 group, respectively) in order to explore the influence of the substituent groups R and the protonation/deprotonation state of imidazole units in these Ir(iii) complexes on their structures and luminescence behaviors. Crystal structures indicate that an {Ir(dfppy)2}+ unit is coordinated by neutral ligands qbiH in 1, qbim in 2 and qbio in 3, while a qbi- anion in 4. These Ir(iii) complexes show clearly different molecular stacking modes. In compound 1, neighboring [Ir(dfppy)2(qbiH)]+ cations are linked into a supramolecular chain through ππ stacking interactions between adjacent dfppy-/qbiH ligands. In 2 and 4, two neighboring iridium complex units connect each other through ππ stacking interactions between dfppy- ligands in the former, while between qbi- ligands in the latter, forming supramolecular dimers. Compared to 1, 2 and 4, compound 3 only exhibits intermolecular van der Waals interactions. At room temperature, these Ir(iii) complexes in CH2Cl2 reveal phosphorescence with a mixing of 3MLCT and 3LC characters, emissions at 558 and 585 nm for 1, 572 (or 573) and 600 nm for 2 and 3, and 546 nm for 4. Compared to 1-3, compound 4 displays relatively weak luminescence intensity. Interestingly, upon addition of NEt3/TFA, both 1 and 4 in CH2Cl2 can switch their luminescence between strong emission at 558 nm and weak emission at 546 nm, due to their acid-/base-induced structural interconversion between the protonation state and the deprotonation state of the qbiH ligand. The emissions of 1-4 in the solid state reveal different degrees of the red shift compared to their corresponding emissions in CH2Cl2, the broad emission bands at 542, 572 and 611 nm for 1, 553, 581 and 612 nm for 2, 544, 578 and 630 nm for 3, and 595 and 633 nm for 4. Based on the crystal structures of 1-4, this work discusses the luminescence modulation of these Ir(iii) complexes by varying their substituent groups or the protonation/deprotonation state of the imidazole units.

Bisthienylethene Th2im and its complex (Th2imH)2[ReCl6]: crystalline-phase photochromism, and photochemical regulation of luminescence and magnetic properties.

Molecular assembly of bisthienylethene Th2im (1) and [ReCl6]2− anions leads to the complex (Th2imH)2[ReCl6] (2), in which a [ReCl6]2(-) anion connects two equivalent Th2imH+ cations through Cl⋯N/C hydrogen bonds. Crystal structures of 1 and 2 indicate that two thiophene groups of each Th2im/Th2imH+ molecule adopt a photoactive antiparallel conformation. Thus, two compounds show crystalline-phase photochromism (CPP), i.e. reversible structural transformation between the open form and the closed form upon alternately irradiating the sample with UV light (365 nm) and visible light (574 nm for 1, 624 nm for 2). It was found that the CPP behaviors of 1 and 2 could regulate their luminescence and/or magnetic properties. Their solid-state emissions (433, 448, 482, 531 and 570 nm for 1, and 460, 489, 535 and 593 nm for 2) exhibited weaker intensities after UV irradiation with 365 nm light. Besides CPP and luminescence, compound 2 shows field-induced slow magnetic relaxation. Before and after UV irradiation, this compound revealed different magnetic behaviors, including the differences in the shape of the χMT vs. T plot, D parameter, and the values of the relaxation barrier Ueff and the preexponential factor τ0.

2-(Anthracenyl)-4,5-bis(2,5-dimethyl(3-thienyl))-1H-imidazole: regulatable stacking structures, reversible grinding- and heating-induced emission switching, and solid-state photodimerization behavior.

2-(Anthracenyl)-4,5-bis(2,5-dimethyl(3-thienyl))-1H-imidazole (anbdtiH) has been synthesized. Its three solid-state structures, anbdtiH·CH3Cl (1), anbdtiH·2CH3OH (2) and anbdtiH2·CF3COO·CH3OH·H2O (3), have been constructed by skillfully choosing CHCl3 or CH3OH as the solvent and using or not using CF3COOH, with the aim of modifying the intermolecular hydrogen bonds and/or π···π stacking interactions. The three distinct structures show significantly different solid-state luminescence behaviors, an orange-red emission at 603 nm for 1, a blue emission at 453 nm for 2, and a green emission at 533 nm for 3. Upon grinding, these emission wavelengths exhibit evident variations, a blue-shift of Δλ = 83 nm for 1, a red-shift of Δλ = 20 nm for 2, and a blue-shift of Δλ = 54 nm for 3. The emission color of 1 can be reversibly switched between orange-red and green upon regulation of the intermolecular (N-H)imidazole···Nimidazole hydrogen bonds by a grinding-heating process. Moreover, compound 3 can undergo a solid-state [4π + 4π] photodimerization reaction upon irradiation with sunlight, forming 3-dimer. Based on the crystal structures of 1-3, this work discusses the relationship between the molecular stacking mode and the luminescence behavior/photochemical reactivity.

Heteroleptic Ir(III) complexes based on 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-pyridine and bisthienylethene: structures, luminescence and photochromic properties.

Two bisthienylethenes 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-bis[2,5-dimethyl(3-thienyl)]-1H-imidazole (L1H) and 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-bis(2,5-dimethyl(3-thienyl))-1-phenyl-imidazole (L2H), which have a chelating N,O-donor binding site attached to the photochromic core, have been synthesized using a one-pot condensation reaction, and used to prepare the heteroleptic complexes [Ir(dfppy)2(L1)]·2CH3OH (1) and [Ir(dfppy)2(L2)] (2) [dfppyH = 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-pyridine]. In the crystal structures of all four compounds, two thiophene groups of each bisthienylethene molecule adopt parallel conformation. Neighboring molecules in L1H and 1 are linked into supramolecular chains through hydrogen bonds. Particularly, the packing structure of 1 contains right- and left-handed 21 helical chains. In contrast, neighboring molecules in L2H and 2 interact only through van der Waals interactions. At room temperature, L1H and L2H in CH2Cl2 show fluorescence emission at 442 nm and 469 nm, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 in CH2Cl2 reveal broad emission band characteristics of the Ir(III)/dfppy(-) chromophores at 508 nm and 494 nm, respectively, with a mixing of (3)MLCT and (3)LC characters. At room temperature, the photochromism ability of L2H in CH2Cl2 is clearly weaker than that of L1H. Moreover, no photochromism has been observed in 1 and 2. It has been demonstrated that both the substituent group and {Ir(dfppy)2}(+) coordination could significantly influence the crystal structures, luminescence and photochromic properties of L1H, L2H, 1 and 2.

Multifunctional mononuclear bisthienylethene-cobalt(II) complexes: structures, slow magnetic relaxation and photochromic behavior.

Based on two new bisthienylethenes containing N,O-donor binding sites, 2-(2-hydroxy-5-bromo-phenyl)-4,5-bis(2,5-dimethyl(3-thienyl))-1H-imidazole (BrLH) and 2-(2-hydroxy-5-diethylphosphono-phenyl)-4,5-bis(2,5-dimethyl(3-thienyl))-1H-imidazole (PLH), multifunctional mononuclear complexes Co(BrL)2·3CH3OH (1) and Co(PL)2·2CH3OH (2) have been synthesized and characterized by crystallographic analysis. In the molecular structures of 1 and 2, the Co(II) ion adopts a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry, and is coordinated by two nonequivalent bisthienylethene molecules (BrL− in 1, PL− in 2), showing non-photoactive parallel and photoactive antiparallel conformations, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 show a distinct distortion of Co(II) coordination geometry, with bond angles of N­Co­N = 112.71(12)° and O­Co­O = 99.87(11)° for 1 and N­Co­N = 119.93(12)° and O­Co­O = 107.31(13)° for 2. Thus, 1 and 2 revealed different magnetic behaviors, which are demonstrated by the χMT vs. T plots, and the frequency dependence of the χ'M and χ''M signals at low temperature. Besides the field-induced slow magnetic relaxation, both 1 and 2 also showed photochromic behavior. Upon irradiation with 360 nm light for 1 and 343 nm light for 2, their CH2Cl2­CH3CN solutions could change color from being nearly colorless to blue purple. It was demonstrated that the substituent groups of Br atom and ­PO(OEt)2 in 1 and 2, respectively, could significantly influence their crystal structures, magnetic relaxations and photochromic properties.