Sticking and patching: tuning and anchoring cyclometallated ruthenium(II) complexes.

A series of [Ru(bpy)2(C^N)][PF6] (HC^N = 2-phenylpyridine derivative) complexes functionalized in the cyclometallating C^N phenyl ring with F, Me, OMe, CO2Me, S(t)Bu, SO2Me (ligands H1-H6) or in the C^N pyridine ring with 4-CO2Me or 4-C6H4P(O)(OEt)2 substituents (ligands H7 or H9) have been prepared and characterized; representative crystal structures confirm the structural features of the complexes. When the C^N ligand contains a CO2H substituent (ligand H28), deprotonation in addition to cyclometallation occurs to give a neutral, zwitter-ionic complex [Ru(bpy)2(8)]. The synthesis of the cationic complexes requires addition of a silver(i) salt (AgPF6 or AgBF4) to abstract Cl(-) from cis-[Ru(bpy)2Cl2] and (1)H NMR spectroscopic data are consistent with interactions between Ag(+) and the coordinated C^N ligand in [Ru(bpy)2(C^N)](+). The absorption spectra of [Ru(bpy)2(C^N)][PF6] (C^N = 1-6) are similar, but the introduction of the anchoring domains in [Ru(bpy)2(C^N)][PF6] with C^N = 7 or 9 enhances the absorption response; the greatest influence is observed in [Ru(bpy)2(9)](+) with the introduction of the 4-C6H4P(O)(OEt)2 substituent. Trends in emission and electrochemical behaviours of the complexes are interpreted in terms of the influence of the electronic properties of the C^N ligand substituents on the energies of the HOMO which is localized on the C^N ligand and Ru centre. This study provides an optimized synthetic route to the phosphonate ester derivative [Ru(bpy)2(9)][PF6], designed to anchor to a semiconductor surface; this complex also exhibits the most favourable absorption properties among the complexes studied.

Exceptionally long-lived light-emitting electrochemical cells: multiple intra-cation π-stacking interactions in [Ir(C

A series of cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes [Ir(C^N)2(N^N)][PF6] (N^N = 2,2'-bipyridine (1), 6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine (2), 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (3), 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine (4); HC^N = 2-(3-phenyl)phenylpyridine (HPhppy) or 2-(3,5-diphenyl)phenylpyridine (HPh2ppy)) are reported. They have been synthesized using solvento precursors so as to avoid the use of chlorido-dimer intermediates, chloride ion contaminant being detrimental to the performance of [Ir(C^N)2(N^N)][PF6] emitters in light-electrochemical cell (LEC) devices. Single crystal structure determinations and variable temperature solution 1H NMR spectroscopic data confirm that the pendant phenyl domains engage in multiple face-to-face π-interactions within the coordination sphere of the iridium(iii) centre. The series of [Ir(Phppy)2(N^N)]+ and [Ir(Ph2ppy)2(N^N)]+ complexes investigated include those with and without intra-cation face-to-face π-stacking. All the complexes display excellent luminescent properties, in particular when employed in thin solid films. The most important observation is that all the LECs using the [Ir(Phppy)2(N^N)]+ and [Ir(Ph2ppy)2(N^N)]+ emitters (i.e. with and without intra-cation π-stacking interactions) exhibit very stable luminance outputs over time, even when driven at elevated current densities. The most stable LEC had an extrapolated lifetime of more than 2500 hours under accelerated testing conditions.

Chiral tetranuclear and dinuclear copper(ii) complexes for TEMPO-mediated aerobic oxidation of alcohols: are four metal centres better than two?

The one-pot reaction of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, (R)-2-aminoglycinol and Cu(OAc)2·2H2O in a 1 : 1 : 1 ratio in the presence of triethylamine led to the isolation of X-ray quality crystals of the chiral complex (R)- in high yield. The single crystal structure of (R)- reveals a tetranuclear copper(ii) complex that contains a {Cu4(µ-O)2(µ3-O)2N4O4} core. A reaction using (1S,2R)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethanol as precursor under the same conditions generated the chiral complex (S,R)-; its structure was determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography and was found to contain a {Cu2(µ-O)2N2O2} core. Both (R)- and (S,R)- have been used for catalytic aerobic oxidation of benzylic alcohols in combination with the TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxyl) radical. (R)- selectively catalyses the conversion of various aromatic primary alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes with high yields (99%) and TONs (770) in the air, while (S,R)- exhibits less promising catalytic performance under the same reaction conditions. The role of the cluster structures in (R)- and (S,R)- in controlling the reactivity towards aerobic oxidation reactions is discussed.

The surprising lability of bis(2,2':6',2''-terpyridine)chromium(III) complexes.

The complex [Cr(tpy)(O3SCF3)3] (tpy = 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine) is readily made from [Cr(tpy)Cl3] and is a convenient precursor to [Cr(tpy)2][PF6]3 and to [Cr(tpy)(4'-(4-tolyl)tpy)][PF6]3 and [Cr(tpy)(5,5''-Me2tpy)][PF6]3 (4'-(4-tolyl)tpy = 4'-(4-tolyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine; 5,5''-Me2tpy = 5,5''-dimethyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine); these are the first examples of heteroleptic bis(tpy) chromium(III) complexes. The single crystal structures of 2{[Cr(tpy)2][PF6]3}·5MeCN, [Cr(tpy)(4'-(4-tolyl)tpy)][PF6]3·3MeCN and [Cr(tpy)(5,5''-Me2tpy)][PF6]3·3MeCN have been determined. Each cation contains the expected octahedral {Cr(tpy)2}(3+) unit; in all three structures, the need to accommodate three anions per cation and the solvent molecules prevents the formation of a grid-like array of cations that is typical of many lattices containing {M(tpy)2}(2+) motifs. Three reversible electrochemical processes are observed for [Cr(tpy)(4'-(4-tolyl)tpy)][PF6]3 and [Cr(tpy)(5,5''-Me2tpy)][PF6]3, consistent with those documented for [Cr(tpy)2](3+). At pH 6.36, aqueous solutions of [Cr(tpy)2][PF6]3 are stable for at least two months. However, contrary to the expectations of the d(3) Cr(3+) ion being a kinetically inert metal centre, the tpy ligands in [Cr(tpy)2](3+) are labile in the presence of base; absorption and (1)H NMR spectroscopies have been used to monitor the effects of adding NaOH to aqueous and CD3OD solutions, respectively, of the homo- and heteroleptic complexes. Ligand dissociation is also observed when [Bu4N]F is added to CD3OD solutions of the complexes, but in aqueous solution, [Cr(tpy)2][PF6]3 is stable in the presence of fluoride ion.

Green-emitting iridium(III) complexes containing sulfanyl- or sulfone-functionalized cyclometallating 2-phenylpyridine ligands.

A series of [Ir(C^N)2(bpy)][PF6] complexes in which the cyclometallating ligands contain fluoro, sulfane or sulfone groups is reported. The conjugate acids of the C^N ligands in the complexes are 2-(4-fluorophenyl)pyridine (H1), 2-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)pyridine (H3), 2-(4-(t)butylsulfanylphenyl)pyridine (H4), 2-(4-(t)butylsulfonylphenyl)pyridine (H5), 2-(4-(n)dodecylsulfanylphenyl)pyridine (H6), 2-(4-(n)dodecylsulfonylphenyl)pyridine (H7). The single crystal structures of H3 and H5 are described. [Ir(C^N)2(bpy)][PF6] with C^N = 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7 were prepared from the appropriate [Ir2(C^N)4Cl2] dimer and bpy; the structure of [Ir2(3)4Cl2]·2CH2Cl2 was determined. [Ir(6)2(bpy)][PF6] was prepared by nucleophilic substitution starting from [Ir(1)2(bpy)][PF6]. The [Ir(C^N)2(bpy)][PF6] complexes have been characterized by NMR, IR, absorption and emission spectroscopic and mass spectrometric methods. The single crystal structures of enantiomerically pure Δ-[Ir(1)2(bpy)][PF6] and of rac-4{[Ir(1)2(bpy)][PF6]}·Et2O·2CH2Cl2 are described, and the differences in inter-cation packing in the structures compared. [Ir(1)2(bpy)][PF6], [Ir(4)2(bpy)][PF6] and [Ir(6)2(bpy)][PF6] (fluoro and sulfane substituents) are yellow emitters (λ(em)(max) between 557 and 577 nm), and the room temperature solution emission spectra are broad. The sulfone derivatives [Ir(3)2(bpy)][PF6], [Ir(5)2(bpy)][PF6] and [Ir(7)2(bpy)][PF6] are green emitters and the emission spectra are structured (λ(em)(max) = 493 and 523 to 525 nm). High photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of 64-74% are observed for the sulfone complexes in degassed solutions. The emission lifetimes for the three complexes containing sulfone substituents are an order of magnitude longer (2.33 to 3.36 µs) than the remaining complexes (0.224 to 0.528 µs). Emission spectra of powdered solid samples have also been recorded; the broad emission bands have values of λ(em)(max) in the range 532 to 558 nm, and PLQYs for the powdered compounds are substantially lower (≤23%) than in solution. Trends in the redox potentials for the [Ir(C^N)2(bpy)][PF6] complexes are in accord with the observed emission behaviour.

Red emitting [Ir(C

2,2':6',2''-Terpyridine (tpy), 4'-(4-HOC6H4)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (1), 4'-(4-MeOC6H4)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (2), 4'-(4-MeSC6H4)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (3), 4'-(4-H2NC6H4)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (4) and 4'-(4-pyridyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (4) act as N^N chelates in complexes of the type [Ir(C^N)2(N^N)][PF6] in which the cyclometallating ligand, C^N, is derived from 2-phenylpyridine (Hppy) or 3,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole (Hdmppz). The single crystal structures of eight complexes have been determined, and in each iridium(III) complex cation, the non-coordinated pyridine ring of the tpy unit is involved in a face-to-face π-stacking interaction with the cyclometallated ring of an adjacent ligand. Solution NMR spectra of the [Ir(ppy)2(N^N)](+) complexes are consistent with the presence of a non-classical hydrogen bond between the non-coordinated N-donor of the tpy domain and a CH unit of one pyridine ring of an adjacent ppy(-) ligand; the presence of the N···HC interaction was confirmed in one of the solid-state structures. The pendant pyridine ring of the coordinated tpy undergoes hindered rotation on the NMR timescale at 295 K. In CH2Cl2, the complexes are orange or red emitters, with λ(max)(em) in the range 580 to 642 nm; photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQY) are <10%, and lifetimes range from 54 to 136 ns. N-Methylation of the pendant 4'-(4-pyridyl) group in [Ir(dmppz)2(pytpy)][PF6] essentially quenches the emission. Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) have been fabricated in a thin film configuration; the emission spectra of the LECs are red-shifted with respect to the PL spectra of the corresponding complex in thin film configuration. For the device incorporating [Ir(ppy)2(pytpy)][PF6], the PL to EL red-shift is extremely large and this is indicative of a different emitting state being involved. The most efficient devices used [Ir(ppy)2(1)][PF6], [Ir(ppy)2(2)][PF6] or [Ir(ppy)2(3)][PF6] in the emissive layer; the devices exhibited rapid turn-on times, but showed relatively low efficiencies in accordance with the solid state photoluminescence quantum yields.

Thienylpyridine-based cyclometallated iridium(III) complexes and their use in solid state light-emitting electrochemical cells.

The synthesis and characterization of four iridium(iii) complexes [Ir(thpy)2(N^N)][PF6] where Hthpy = 2-(2'-thienyl)pyridine and N^N are 6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine (1), 4,4'-di-(t)butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (2), 4,4'-di-(t)butyl-6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine (3) or 4,4'-dimethylthio-2,2'-bipyridine (4) are described. The single crystal structures of ligand 4 and the complexes containing the [Ir(thpy)2(1)](+) and [Ir(thpy)2(4)](+) cations have been determined. In [Ir(thpy)2(1)](+), the pendant phenyl ring engages in an intra-cation π-stacking interaction with one of the thienyl rings in the solid state, and undergoes hindered rotation on the NMR timescale in [Ir(thpy)2(1)](+) and [Ir(thpy)2(3)](+). The solution spectra of [Ir(thpy)2(1)][PF6] and [Ir(thpy)2(4)][PF6] show emission maxima around 640 nm and are significantly red-shifted compared with [Ir(thpy)2(2)][PF6] and [Ir(thpy)2(3)][PF6] which have structured emission bands with maxima around 550 and 590 nm. In thin films, the emission spectra of the four complexes are similar with emission peaks around 550 and 590 nm and a shoulder around 640 nm that are reminiscent of the features observed in solution. In solution, quantum yields are low, but in thin films, values range from 29% for [Ir(thpy)2(1)][PF6] to 51% for [Ir(thpy)2(4)][PF6]. Density functional theory calculations rationalize the structured emission observed for the four complexes in terms of the (3)LC nature predicted for the lowest-energy triplet states that mainly involve the cyclometallated [thpy](-) ligands. Support for this theoretical result comes from the observed features of the low temperature (in frozen MeCN) photoluminescence spectra of the complexes. Photoluminescence and electroluminescence spectra of the complexes in a light-emitting electrochemical cell (LEC) device configuration have been investigated. The electroluminescence spectra are similar for all [Ir(thpy)2(N^N)][PF6] complexes with emission maxima at ≈600 nm, but device performances are relatively poor probably due to the poor charge-transporting properties of the complexes.

Chloride ion impact on materials for light-emitting electrochemical cells.

Small quantities of Cl(-) ions result in dramatic reductions in the performance of ionic transition metal complexes in light-emitting electrochemical cells. Strong ion-pairing between aromatic protons and chloride has been established in both the solid state and solution. X-ray structural determination of 2{[Ir(ppy)2(bpy)][Cl]}·2CH2Cl2·[H3O]·Cl reveals the unusual nature of an impurity encountered in the preparation of [Ir(ppy)2(bpy)][PF6].

Improving the photoresponse of copper(I) dyes in dye-sensitized solar cells by tuning ancillary and anchoring ligand modules.

The syntheses of five homoleptic copper(I) complexes [CuL2][PF6] are described in which L is a 4,4'-di(4-bromophenyl)-6,6'-dialkyl-2,2'-bipyridine ligand (compounds 1-4 with methyl, (n)butyl, (iso)butyl and hexyl substituents, respectively) or 4,4'-di(4-bromophenyl)-6,6'-diphenyl-2,2'-bipyridine (5). The new ligands 2-5 and copper(I) complexes [CuL2][PF6] (L = 1-5) have been fully characterized. The single crystal structures of 2{[Cu(1)2][PF6]}·3Me2CO, [Cu(2)2][PF6], 2{[Cu(3)2][PF6]}·Et2O and [Cu(5)2][PF6]·CH2Cl2 have been determined. The first three structures show similar distorted tetrahedral environments for the Cu(+) ions with angles between the least squares planes of the bpy domains of 85.6, 86.4 and 82.9°, respectively; in contrast, the Cu(+) ion in [Cu(5)2][PF6]·CH2Cl2 is in a flattened coordinate environment due to intra-cation face-to-face π-interactions. The solution absorption spectra of the complexes with ligands 1-4 are virtually identical with an MLCT band with values of λmax = 481-488 nm. In contrast, the absorption spectrum of [Cu(5)2][PF6] shows two broad bands in the visible region. Cyclic voltammetric data show that oxidation of the copper(I) centre occurs at a more positive potential in [Cu(2)2][PF6], [Cu(3)2][PF6] and [Cu(4)2][PF6] than in [Cu(1)2][PF6] or [Cu(5)2][PF6] with the latter being oxidized at the lowest potential. The complexes have been used to prepare dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) incorporating heteroleptic dyes of type [Cu(L)(Lanchor)](+) where L is 1-5 and Lanchor is a 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine functionalized in the 4- and 4'-positions with phosphonic acid groups with (Lanchor = 7) and without (Lanchor = 6) a spacer between the metal-binding and anchoring domains. The presence of the spacer results in enhanced performances of the dyes, and the highest energy conversion efficiencies are observed for the dyes [Cu(3)(7)](+) (η = 2.43% compared to 5.96% for standard dye N719) and [Cu(5)(7)](+) (η = 2.89% compared to 5.96% for N719). Measurements taken periodically over the course of a week indicate that the cells undergo a ripening process (most clearly seen for [Cu(5)(6)](+) and [Cu(5)(7)](+)) before their optimum performances are achieved. IPCE (EQE) data are presented and confirm that, although the photo-to-current conversions are promising (37-49% for λmax≈ 480 nm), the copper(I) dyes do not realize the broad spectral response exhibited by N719.

Copper(I) dye-sensitized solar cells with [Co(bpy)3](2+/3+) electrolyte.

The hierarchical assembly of DSCs containing a new heteroleptic copper(I) complex with a phosphonic acid anchoring ligand is described; it is shown that conventional I(-)/I3(-) electrolytes may be replaced by [Co(bpy)3](2+/3+) with no loss in performance.

Efficient green-light-emitting electrochemical cells based on ionic iridium complexes with sulfone-containing cyclometalating ligands.

A new approach to obtain green-emitting iridium(III) complexes is described. The synthetic approach consists of introducing a methylsulfone electron-withdrawing substituent into a 4-phenylpyrazole cyclometalating ligand in order to stabilize the highest-occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). Six new complexes have been synthesized incorporating the conjugate base of 1-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-1H-pyrazole as the cyclometalating ligand. The complexes show green emission and very high photoluminescence quantum yields in both diluted and concentrated films. When used as the main active component in light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs), green electroluminance is observed. High efficiencies and luminances are obtained at low driving voltages. This approach for green emitters is an alternative to the widely used fluorine-based substituents in the cyclometalating ligands and opens new design possibilities for the synthesis of green emitters for LECs.

Solution, structural and photophysical aspects of substituent effects in the N

The syntheses and properties of a series of eleven new [Ir(ppy)2(N^N)][PF6] complexes (Hppy = 2-phenylpyridine) are reported. The N^N ligands are based on 2,2-bipyridine (bpy), substituted in the 6- or 5-positions with groups that are structurally and electronically diverse. All but two of the N^N ligands incorporate an aromatic ring, designed to facilitate intra-cation face-to-face π-interactions between the N^N and one [ppy](-) ligand. Within the set of ligands, 6-(3-tolyl)-2,2'-bipyridine (5), 4,6-bis(4-nitrophenyl)-2,2'-bipyridine (9), and 4,6-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2,2'-bipyridine (10) are new and their characterization includes single crystal structures of 9, and two polymorphs of 10. A representative [Ir(ppy)2(N^O)](+) complex is also described. We report solution NMR spectroscopic, photophysical and electrochemical properties of the complexes, as well as representative solid-state structural data. The solution (1)H NMR spectroscopic data illustrate different dynamic processes involving the substituents attached to the bpy domain in the ligands. In degassed MeCN and at room temperature, the [Ir(ppy)2(N^N)][PF6] complexes are orange emitters with λ(em)max in the range 575 to 608 nm; however, quantum yields are very low. The most promising complexes were evaluated in light-emitting electrochemical cells leading to bright and stable devices with rather good external quantum efficiencies.

Monomer, dimer or cyclic helicate? Coordination diversity with hard-soft P,N-donor ligands.

We report the synthesis of copper(I) complexes of three ligands which contain a potential P,N,N,P-metal binding site. Elemental analysis confirms that the bulk products possess a composition of [CuL][PF6] where L = 1, 2 or 3. Electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI MS) provides evidence for speciation in MeCN or MeOH solutions and the formation of both [CuL]+ and [Cu2L2]2+; addition of NaCl to the ESI MS samples aids the observation of dinuclear species as [Cu2L2Cl]+ ions. NMR spectroscopic data for a CD3CN solution of [Cu(1)][PF6] were consistent with a mononuclear species, but more complex multinuclear spectra were observed for the same compound dissolved in CD2Cl2. In the solid state, dimeric species dominate. Crystals grown from CH2Cl2 solutions of [Cu(1)][PF6] are found to be [Cu2(1)2][PF6]2·6CH2Cl2; each Cu+ ion in the centrosymmetric cation is bound in an N,O,P,P-coordination sphere, the N-donor originating from the pyridine ring. In [Cu2(3)2][PF6]2, each bridging ligand in the centrosymmetric [Cu2(3)2]2+ ion acts as a P,N-chelate to each Cu+ ion. Competing with this dimeric assembly is that of a circular helicate in which each ligand 3 bridges adjacent pairs of copper(I) ions in a chiral, hexameric complex; both the Δ,Δ,Δ,Δ,Δ,Δ- and Λ,Λ,Λ,Λ,Λ,Λ-enantiomers are present in the crystal lattice; in [Cu6(3)6]6+, each ligand coordinates as a bis(P,N-chelate). The solution absorption spectra of [Cu(1)][PF6], [Cu(2)][PF6] and [Cu(3)][PF6] are dominated by ligand-based transitions and none of the copper(I) complexes exhibits emissive behaviour in solution.

Tuning the photophysical properties of cationic iridium(III) complexes containing cyclometallated 1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole through functionalized 2,2'-bipyridine ligands: blue but not blue enough.

Four new heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes in the family [Ir(dfppz)(2)(N^N)](+), where Hdfppz = 1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1H-pyrazole and N^N = 6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine (1), 4,4'-(di-tert-butyl)-6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine (2), 4,4'-(di-tert-butyl)-6,6'-diphenyl-2,2'-bipyridine (3) and 4,4'-bis(dimethylamino)-2,2'-bipyridine (4), have been synthesized as the hexafluoridophosphate salts and fully characterized. Single crystal structures of ligand 3 and the precursor [Ir(2)(dfppz)(4)(µ-Cl)(2)] have been determined, along with the structures of the complexes 4{[Ir(dfppz)(2)(1)][PF(6)]}·3CH(2)Cl(2), [Ir(dfppz)(2)(3)][PF(6)]·CH(2)Cl(2) and [Ir(dfppz)(2)(4)][PF(6)]·CH(2)Cl(2). The role of inter- and intramolecular face-to-face π-stacking in the solid state is discussed. In the [Ir(dfppz)(2)(N^N)](+) (N^N = 1-3) cations, the phenyl substituent in ligands 1, 2 or 3 undergoes hindered rotation on the NMR timescale at 298 K in solution and the systems have been studied by variable temperature NMR spectroscopy. Acetonitrile solutions of [Ir(dfppz)(2)(N^N)][PF(6)] (N^N = 1-3) exhibit similar absorption spectra arising from ligand-based transitions; absorption intensity is enhanced on going to [Ir(dfppz)(2)(4)][PF(6)] and the spectrum extends further into the visible region. Acetonitrile solutions of the complexes are blue emitters with λ(em) = 517, 505, 501 and 493 nm for N^N = 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively (λ(exc) = 280-310 nm). The redox behaviours of [Ir(dfppz)(2)(N^N)][PF(6)] (N^N = 1-3) are similar, and the introduction of the electron-donating NMe(2) substituents onto the N^N ligand shifts the metal-centred oxidation to less positive potentials. Theoretical calculations predict a mixed metal-to-ligand/ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT/LLCT) character for the emitting triplet state in agreement with the broad and unstructured character of the emission bands. The NMe(2) substituents enlarge the HOMO-LUMO gap and blue-shifts the emission of [Ir(dfppz)(2)(4)](+) that is centred on the ancillary ligand. These complexes, when processed into a thin film and sandwiched between two electrodes, lead to very low voltage operating electroluminescent devices. No additional components are needed, which demonstrates their electron and hole transport abilities in conjunction with the luminescent properties.

Ligand-based charge-transfer luminescence in ionic cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes bearing a pyrene-functionalized bipyridine ligand: a joint theoretical and experimental study.

Two new heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes [Ir(ppy)(2)(pyr(2)bpy)][PF(6)] ([1a][PF(6)]) and [Ir(dfppy)(2)(pyr(2)bpy)][PF(6)] ([2a][PF(6)]), where Hppy = 2-phenylpyridine, Hdfppy = 2-(3,5-difluorophenyl)pyridine, and pyr(2)bpy = 5,5'-bis(pyren-1-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine, have been synthesized and fully characterized. The single-crystal structures of pyr(2)bpy and the complexes 4{[1a][PF(6)]}·2CH(2)Cl(2)·9H(2)O and [2a][PF(6)]·0.25CH(2)Cl(2)·H(2)O have been determined. The effect of the pyrene substituents on the electronic properties is investigated through a comprehensive photophysical and theoretical study on the two complexes in comparison to reference complexes without substituents on the ancillary ligand ([1][PF(6)] and [2][PF(6)]) and by making absorption and luminescence titrations of ligand pyr(2)bpy. Both theory and experiment show that the intense and broad band appearing in the 400-500 nm region of the absorption spectra of [1a][PF(6)] and [2a][PF(6)] is due to intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) transitions from the pyrene substituents to the bipyridine ligand. [1a][PF(6)] and [2a][PF(6)] exhibit luminescence bands centered above 650 nm, attributed to a charge-transfer triplet state located on the pyr(2)bpy ligand, lying at lower energy than the strongly emitting Ir-ppy→bpy triplet states of the complexes lacking the pyrene fragments. Such luminescence, detected both at room temperature and 77 K, shows that the appendage of luminophoric moieties to luminescent Ir-based centers may further widen the emission tuneability of this exploited class of luminescent materials through purely electrostatic effects exerted on a properly designed N^N ancillary ligand.

Stereochemistry controlled by an asymmetric sulfur atom, and a rare example of a kryptoracemate.

The ligands 4-methylthio-6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine (1) and the corresponding sulfoxide (2) and sulfone (3) have been synthesized and characterized in solution, and in the solid state by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 2 and 3 crystallize in the same space group (C2/c) with similar unit cell parameters; a small increase in the unit cell volume allows for the presence of the extra oxygen atom in 3. The sulfoxide and sulfone groups adopt conformations that permit intramolecular O···HC(aryl) hydrogen bonds. The complexes [Ir(ppy)(2)L][PF(6)] with L = 1, 2 or 3 have been prepared and characterized. The asymmetric sulfur atom in ligand 2 gives rise to pairs of diastereoisomers of the complex which can be distinguished in the (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra. In solution, exchange of [PF(6)](-) by [Δ-TRISPHAT](-) gives rise to four diastereoisomers and we observed good dispersion of (1)H NMR resonances, especially for those assigned to protons close to the asymmetric sulfur atom. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study of 2{[Ir(ppy)(2)(3)][PF(6)]}·CHCl(3)·3H(2)O reveals that the complex crystallizes in the chiral space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), the asymmetric unit containing crystallographically independent Δ- and Λ-[Ir(ppy)(2)(3)](+) cations. This provides a rare example of a so-called kryptoracemate in the solid state. In MeCN solution, [Ir(ppy)(2)(1)][PF(6)], [Ir(ppy)(2)(2)][PF(6)] and [Ir(ppy)(2)(3)][PF(6)] are weakly emissive (λ(em) = 600, 647 and 672 nm, respectively) and preliminary studies of the electroluminescent properties of [Ir(ppy)(2)(2)][PF(6)] indicate that the complexes are not suitable candidates for LECs.

2,2':6',2''-terpyridine substituted in the 4'-position by the solubilizing and sterically demanding tert-butyl group: a surprisingly new ligand.

We describe the synthesis and characterization of 4'-tert-butyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (4'-(t)Butpy, 1), a convergent tpy ligand that exhibits both a sterically demanding and solubilizing 4'-substituent. In the solid state, molecules of 1 pack with alternating tpy and tert-butyl domains, and the bulky alkyl substituents prevent the molecules from engaging in the face-to-face π-interactions which are typical of simple tpy ligands. Instead, the predominant packing forces involve CH···N hydrogen bonds and weak CH···π contacts. The syntheses of the homoleptic complexes [M(1)(2)][PF(6)](2) (M = Fe, Co, Zn and Ru) and the heteroleptic [Ru(tpy)(1)][PF(6)](2) are described. The complexes have been fully characterized in solution, including the (1)H NMR spectroscopic characterization of the paramagnetic [Co(1)(2)][PF(6)](2). Cyclic voltammetric data are consistent with the tert-butyl substituent being slightly electron releasing. The single crystal structures of [Zn(1)(2)][PF(6)](2) and [Ru(1)(2)][PF(6)](2) have been determined; the compounds are essentially isomorphous. The packing of the cations is such that the tert-butyl substituents are accommodated in pockets between the tpy domains of adjacent cations, and as a consequence, the {M(tpy)(2)}-embrace that is a ubiquitous feature of many related structures is not observed.

The intramolecular aryl embrace: from light emission to light absorption.

6-(1-Methylpyrrol-2-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine, 3, and 6-(selenophene-2-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine, 4, have been prepared and characterized in solution and by structural determinations. Copper(I) complexes [CuL(2)][PF(6)] in which L is 2,2'-bipyridine substituted in the 6-position by furyl, thienyl, N-methylpyrrolyl, selenopheneyl, methyl or phenyl, (L = 1-6) have been synthesized. The complexes have been characterized by electrospray mass spectrometry, and solution NMR and UV-VIS spectroscopies. The single crystal structures of [Cu(1)(2)][PF(6)], [Cu(2)(2)][PF(6)], [Cu(3)(2)][PF(6)], [Cu(5)(2)][PF(6)] and [Cu(6)(2)][PF(6)] have been determined. In those compounds containing an aromatic substituent attached to the bpy unit, the substituent is twisted with respect to the latter. In [Cu(3)(2)][PF(6)] and [Cu(5)(2)][PF(6)], this results in intra-cation π-stacking between ligands which is very efficient in [Cu(3)(2)](+) despite the steric requirements of the N-methyl substituents. Face-to-face stacking between the ligands in the [Cu(2)(2)](+) ion is achieved by complementary substituent twisting and elongation of one Cu-N bond, but there is no analogous intra-cation π-stacking in [Cu(1)(2)](+). Ligand exchange reactions between [CuL(2)][PF(6)] (L = 1-6) and TiO(2)-anchored ligands 7-10 (L' = 2,2'-bipyridine-based ligands with CO(2)H or PO(OH)(2) anchoring groups) have been applied to produce 24 surface-anchored heteroleptic copper(i) complexes, the formation of which has been evidenced by using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and thin layer solid state diffuse reflectance electronic absorption spectroscopy. The efficiencies of the complexes as dyes in DSCs have been measured, and the best efficiencies are observed for [CuLL'] with L' = 10 which contains phosphonate anchoring groups.

Environmental control of solution speciation in cobalt(II) 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine complexes: anion and solvent dependence.

In methanol or chloroform/methanol solutions, reactions of Cltpy or MeOtpy (Rtpy = 4'-R-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine) with CoX(2)·xH(2)O (X(-) = Cl(-), [OAc](-), [NO(3)](-) or [BF(4)](-)) result in the formation of equilibrium mixtures of [Co(Rtpy)(2)](2+) and [Co(Rtpy)X(2)]. A study of the solution speciation has been carried out using (1)H NMR spectroscopy, aided by the dispersion of signals in the paramagnetically shifted spectra; on going from a low- to high-spin cobalt(II) complex, proton H(6) of the tpy ligand undergoes a significant shift to higher frequency. For R = Cl and X(-) = [OAc](-), increasing the amount of CD(3)OD in the CD(3)OD/CDCl(3) solvent mixture affects both the relative proportions of [Co(Cltpy)(2)](2+) and [Co(Cltpy)(OAc)(2)] and the chemical shifts of the (1)H NMR resonances arising from [Co(Cltpy)(OAc)(2)]. When the solvent is essentially CDCl(3), the favoured species is [Co(Cltpy)(OAc)(2)]. For the 4'-methoxy-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine, the speciation of mono- and bis(terpyridine)cobalt(II) complexes depends upon the anion, solvent and ligand:Co(2+) ion ratio. The (1)H NMR spectrum of [Co(MeOtpy)(2)](2+) is virtually independent of anion and solvent. In contrast, the signals arising from [Co(MeOtpy)X(2)] depend on the anion and solvent. In the case of X(-) = [BF(4)](-), we propose that the mono(tpy) complex formed in solution is [Co(MeOtpy)L(n)](2+) (L = H(2)O or solvent, n = 1-3). The formation of mono(tpy) species has been confirmed by the solid state structures of [Co(Cltpy)(OAc-O)(OAc-O,O')], [Co(MeOtpy)(OAc-O)(OAc-O,O')], [Co(MeOtpy)(NO(3)-O)(2)(OH(2))] and [Co(MeOtpy)Cl(2)]. The single crystal structure of the cobalt(III) complex [Co(Cltpy)Cl(3)]·CHCl(3) is also reported.

9-Anthracenyl-substituted pyridyl enones revisited: photoisomerism in ligands and silver(I) complexes.

In solution, (E) to (Z)-isomerism is facile both in 3-(9-anthracenyl)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)propenone, 2, and in its silver(I) complex [Ag(2)(2)](+). The crystal structures of (E)-2, (Z)-2 and [Ag{(E)-2}(2)][SbF(6)] are presented, and the roles of edge-to-face and face-to-face π-interactions in the lattice are discussed. Solution NMR spectroscopic data suggest that the driving force for (E) to (Z) isomerization is intramolecular π-stacking of the pyridine and anthracene domains. The reversed enone 3-(9-anthracenyl)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)propen-3-one, (E)-3, and the silver(I) complex [Ag{(E)-3}(2)][SbF(6)] have been prepared and characterized, including a single crystal X-ray determination of the latter. Surprisingly, no π-stacking between anthracene or pyridine domains is observed in the solid state, and the crystal packing is dominated by Ag···F, CH(anthracene)···π-pyridine and CH···F interactions. In contrast to (E)-2 and [Ag{(E)-2}(2)](+), neither (E)-3 nor [Ag{(E)-3}(2)](+) undergoes photoisomerization in solution.