Triple Helical Ir(ppy)3 Phenylene Cage Prepared by Diol-Mediated Benzannulation: Synthesis, Resolution, Absolute Stereochemistry and Photophysical Properties.

Cyclometalation of a triple helical N-doped phenylene cage prepared by ruthenium(0)-catalyzed diol-diene benzannulation delivers a chiral, conformationally constrained Ir(ppy)3 analogue. Like the parent complex, fac-Ir(ppy)3 , the iridium-containing PAH-cage is phosphorescent, but displays enhanced resistance to oxygen quenching.