Design of rhenium(I) polypyridine biotin complexes as a new class of luminescent probes for avidin

This paper describes the design of a series of luminescent rhenium(I) polypyridine biotin complexes containing different spacer-arms, [Re(N-N)(CO)3 (py-4-CH2-NH-biotin)](PF6) (py-4-CH2-NH-biotin = 4-(biotinamidomethyl)pyridine; N-N = 1,10-phenanthroline, phen (1a), 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, Me4-phen (2a), 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, Me2-Ph2-phen (3a), dipyrido[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline, dpq (4a)), [Re(N-N)(CO)3 (py-3-CO-NH-en-NH-biotin)](PF6) (py-3-CO-NH-en-NH-biotin = 3-(N-((2-biotinamido)ethyl)amido)pyridine; N-N = phen (1b), Me4-phen (2b), Me2-Ph2-phen (3b), dpq (4b)), and [Re(N-N)(CO)3 (py-4-CH2-NH-cap-NH-biotin)](PF6) (py-4-CH2-NH-cap-NH-biotin = 4-(N-((6-biotinamido)hexanoyl)aminomethyl)pyridine; N-N = phen (1c), Me4-phen (2c), Me2-Ph(2)-phen (3c), dpq (4c)). Upon irradiation, all of the rhenium(I)-biotin complexes exhibited intense and long-lived triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (3MLCT) (d pi(Re) --> pi* (diimine)) emission in fluid solutions at 298 K. The interactions of these biotin-containing complexes with avidin have been studied by 4'-hydroxyazobenzene-2-carboxylic acid (HABA) assays, emission titrations, and competitive association and dissociation assays. On the basis of the results of these experiments, homogeneous assays for biotin and avidin have been designed.     

Cyclometalated iridium(III) diimine bis(biotin) complexes as the first luminescent biotin-based cross-linkers for avidin

Four luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III) diimine complexes [Ir(N-C)2(N-N)](PF6) (HN-C = 2-(4-(N-((2-biotinamido)ethyl)aminomethyl)phenyl)pyridine, Hppy-4-CH2NHC2NH-biotin, N-N = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, Me4-phen (1a); N-N = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, Ph2-phen (2a); HN-C = 2-(4-(N-((6-biotinamido)hexyl)aminomethyl)phenyl)pyridine, Hppy-4-CH2NHC6NH-biotin, N-N = Me4-phen (1b); N-N = Ph2-phen (2b)), each containing two biotin units, have been synthesized and characterized. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of these complexes have been investigated. Photoexcitation of these iridium(III) diimine bis(biotin) complexes in fluid solutions at 298 K and in alcohol glass at 77 K resulted in intense and long-lived luminescence. The emission is assigned to a triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (3MLCT) (d pi(Ir) --> pi*(N-N)) excited state. The emissive states of complexes 1a,b are probably mixed with some 3IL (pi --> pi*) (Me4-phen) character. The interactions of these iridium(III) diimine bis(biotin) complexes with avidin have been studied by 4'-hydroxyazobenzene-2-carboxylic acid (HABA) assays and emission titrations. The potential for these complexes to act as cross-linkers for avidin has been examined by resonance-energy transfer- (RET-) based emission quenching experiments, microscopy studies using avidin-conjugated microspheres, and HPLC analysis.     

Luminescent ruthenium(II) polypyridine biotin complexes: synthesis, characterization, photophysical and electrochemical properties, and avidin-binding studies

Two luminescent ruthenium(II) polypyridine complexes containing a biotin moiety [Ru(bpy)(2)(L1)](PF(6))(2) (1) and [Ru(bpy)(2)(L2)](PF(6))(2) (2) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; L1 = 4-(N-((2-biotinamido)ethyl)amido)-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine; L2 = 4-(N-((6-biotinamido)hexyl)amido)-4'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine) have been synthesized and characterized, and their photophysical and electrochemical properties have been studied. Upon photoexcitation, complexes 1 and 2 display intense and long-lived triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer ((3)MLCT) (dpi(Ru) --> pi*(L1 or L2)) emission in fluid solutions at 298 K and in low-temperature glass. We have studied the binding of these ruthenium(II) biotin complexes to avidin by 4'-hydroxyazobenzene-2-carboxylic acid (HABA) assays, luminescence titrations, competitive assays using native biotin, and quenching experiments using methyl viologen. On the basis of the results of these experiments, a homogeneous competitive assay for biotin has been investigated.     

Rhenium(I) polypyridine biotin isothiocyanate complexes as the first luminescent biotinylation reagents: synthesis, photophysical properties, biological labeling, cytotoxicity, and imaging studies

We report here the design of the first class of luminescent biotinylation reagents derived from rhenium(I) polypyridine complexes. These complexes [Re(N-N)(CO)(3)(py-biotin-NCS)](PF(6)) (py-biotin-NCS = 3-isothiocyanato-5-(N-((2-biotinamido)ethyl)aminocarbonyl)pyridine; N-N = 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (1a), 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Me(4)-phen) (2a), 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Ph(2)-phen) (3a)), containing a biotin unit and an isothiocyanate moiety, have been synthesized from the precursor amine complexes [Re(N-N)(CO)(3)(py-biotin-NH(2))](PF(6)) (py-biotin-NH(2) = 3-amino-5-(N-((2-biotinamido)ethyl)aminocarbonyl)pyridine; N-N = phen (1c), Me(4)-phen (2c), Ph(2)-phen (3c)). To investigate the amine-specific reactivity of the isothiocyanate complexes 1a-3a, they have been reacted with a model substrate ethylamine, resulting in the formation of the thiourea complexes [Re(N-N)(CO)(3)(py-biotin-TU-Et)](PF(6)) (py-biotin-TU-Et = 3-ethylthioureidyl-5-(N-((2-biotinamido)ethyl)aminocarbonyl)pyridine; N-N = phen (1b), Me(4)-phen (2b), Ph(2)-phen (3b)). All the rhenium(I) complexes have been characterized, and their photophysical properties have been studied. The avidin-binding properties of the thiourea complexes 1b-3b have been examined by the 4'-hydroxyazobenzene-2-carboxylic acid (HABA) assay. Titration results indicated that the complexes exhibited emission enhancement by ca. 1.4-1.5-fold upon binding to avidin, and the lifetimes were elongated to ca. 0.8-2.0 micros. Additionally, we have biotinylated bovine serum albumin (BSA) with the isothiocyanate complexes. All the resultant rhenium-BSA bioconjugates displayed intense and long-lived orange-yellow to greenish-yellow emission upon irradiation in aqueous buffer under ambient conditions. The avidin-binding properties of the bioconjugates have been investigated using the HABA assay. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the thiourea complexes 1b-3b toward the HeLa cells has been examined by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The IC50 values were determined to be ca. 17.5-28.5 microM, which are comparable to that of cisplatin (26.7 microM) under the same conditions. The cellular uptake of complex 3b has been investigated by fluorescence microscopy, and the results showed that the complex was localized in the perinuclear region after interiorization.     

Nucleic acid intercalators and avidin probes derived from luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III)-dipyridoquinoxaline and -dipyridophenazine complexes

Six luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III)-dipyridoquinoxaline and -dipyridophenazine complexes [Ir(ppy)2(N-N)](PF6) (Hppy = 2-phenylpyridine; N-N = dipyrido[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline, dpq (1); 2-n-butylamidodipyrido[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline, dpqa (2); 2-((2-biotinamido)ethyl)amidodipyrido[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline, dpqB (3); dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine, dppz (4); benzo[i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine, dppn (5); 11-((2-biotinamido)ethyl)amidodipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine, dppzB (6)) have been designed as luminescent intercalators for DNA and probes for avidin. The structure of complex 4 has been studied by X-ray crystallography. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the complexes have also been investigated. The binding of these complexes to double-stranded calf thymus DNA and synthetic double-stranded oligonucleotides poly(dA) x poly(dT) and poly(dG) x poly(dC) has been investigated by spectroscopic titrations. The interactions between the two biotin-containing complexes and avidin have been studied by 4'-hydroxyazobenzene-2-carboxylic acid (HABA) assays and emission titrations.     

Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure, and electrochemical, photophysical, and protein-binding properties of luminescent rhenium(I) diimine indole complexes

We report the synthesis, characterization, and photophysical and electrochemical properties of a series of luminescent rhenium(I) diimine indole complexes, [Re(N-N)(CO)3(L)](CF3SO3) (N-N = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Me4-phen), L = N-(3-pyridoyl)tryptamine (py-3-CONHC2H4-indole) (1a), N-[N-(3-pyridoyl)-6-aminohexanoyl]tryptamine, (py-3-CONHC5H10CONHC2H4-indole) (1b); N-N = 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), L = py-3-CONHC2H4-indole (2a), py-3-CONHC5H10CONHC2H4-indole (2b); N-N = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Me2-phen), L = py-3-CONHC2H4-indole (3a), py-3-CONHC5H10CONHC2H4-indole (3b); N-N = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Ph2-phen), L = py-3-CONHC2H4-indole (4a), py-3-CONHC5H10CONHC2H4-indole (4b)), and their indole-free counterparts, [Re(N-N)(CO)3(py-3-CONH-Et)](CF3SO3) (py-3-CONH-Et = N-ethyl-(3-pyridyl)formamide; N-N = Me4-phen (1c), phen (2c), Me2-phen (3c), Ph2-phen (4c)). The X-ray crystal structure of complex 3a has also been investigated. Upon irradiation, most of the complexes exhibited triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (3MLCT) (d pi(Re) --> pi*(diimine)) emission in fluid solutions at 298 K and in low-temperature glass. However, the structural features and long emission lifetimes of the Me4-phen complexes in solutions at room temperature suggest that the excited state of these complexes exhibited substantial triplet intraligand (3IL) (pi --> pi*) (Me4-phen) character. The binding interactions of these complexes to indole-binding proteins including bovine serum albumin and tryptophanase have been examined.     

Novel rhenium(I) polypyridine biotin complexes that show luminescence enhancement and lifetime elongation upon binding to avidin

While most biotin-fluorophore conjugates suffer from significant emission quenching upon binding to avidin due to resonance energy-transfer, three novel rhenium(I) polypyridine biotin complexes have been designed in view of their characteristic photophysical properties, in particular their large Stokes shifts. In contrast to most biotin-fluorophore conjugates, the (3)MLCT emission intensities and lifetimes of these rhenium(I) complexes are increased upon binding to avidin, rendering them luminescent probes for avidin and biotinylated species.     

Synthesis,photophysical and electrochemical properties,and biological labeling studies of cyclometalated iridium(III) bis(pyridylbenzaldehyde) complexes: novel luminescent cross-linkers for biomolecules

We report the synthesis, characterization, photophysical, and electrochemical properties of a series of luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes containing two aldehyde functional groups [Ir(pba)(2)(N-N)](PF(6)) (Hpba=4-(2-pyridyl)benzaldehyde; N-N=2,2'-bipyridine, bpy (1), 1,10-phenanthroline, phen (2), 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 3,4,7,8-Me(4)-phen (3), 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-Ph(2)-phen (4)). The X-ray crystal structure of complex 1 has been investigated. Upon photoexcitation, complexes 1-4 exhibit intense and long-lived emission in fluid solutions at 298 K and in low-temperature glass. The luminescence is assigned to a triplet intra-ligand ((3)IL) excited state associated with the pba(-) ligand, probably with mixing of some triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer ((3)MLCT) (dpi(Ir)-->pi*(pba(-))) character. Since each of these complexes possesses two aldehyde groups, which can react with the primary amine groups of biomolecules to form stable secondary amines after reductive amination, we have investigated the possibility of these complexes as novel luminescent cross-linkers for biological substrates. L-Alanine has been labeled with complexes 1-4 to give the luminescent bioconjugates 1-(Ala)(2)-4-(Ala)(2). These conjugates show strong photoluminescence with long emission lifetimes under ambient conditions. On the basis of the emission energy trend, the excited state of these luminescent bioconjugates is likely to bear a high parentage of (3)MLCT (dpi(Ir)-->pi*(N-N)) character. In addition, the glycoprotein avidin (Av) has also been conjugated with complexes 1-4 to give the bioconjugates 1-Av-4-Av. Upon photoexcitation, these bioconjugates also display intense and long-lived (3)MLCT (dpi(Ir)-->pi*(N-N)) emission in aqueous buffer at 298 K. Furthermore, a heterogeneous competitive assay for biotin has been developed using 2-Av and biotinylated microspheres. We have shown that complexes 1-4 represent a new class of multicolor luminescent cross-linkers for biomolecular species.     

Synthesis of Two Novel Rhenium（I） Bipyridyl Photosensitive Dyes

Two novel rhenium(I) 2, 2′-bipyridyl complexes, [(4,4′-di-COOEt-bipy) Re(CO)3 (NCCH3)PF6] and [(4,4′-di-COOEt-bipy) Re (CO)3 (NCS)], a model complex [(4,4′-di-COOEt-bipy) Re (CO)3 (pyridine)PF6], were synthesized. Their ground state electronic spectra and emission spectra were measured in acetonitrile. The MLCT absorption maximum of the complex exhibited a considerable red shift as the ligand changed from pyridine to CNCH3, or SCN.     

New luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III) diimine complexes as biological labeling reagents

We report the synthesis, characterization, and photophysical and electrochemical properties of thirty luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III) diimine complexes [Ir(N-C)(2)(N-N)](PF(6)) (HN-C = 2-phenylpyridine, Hppy; 2-(4-methylphenyl)pyridine, Hmppy; 3-methyl-1-phenylpyrazole, Hmppz; 7,8-benzoquinoline, Hbzq; 2-phenylquinoline, Hpq; N-N = 4-amino-2,2'-bipyridine, bpy-NH(2); 4-isothiocyanato-2,2'-bipyridine, bpy-ITC; 4-iodoacetamido-2,2'-bipyridine, bpy-IAA; 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline, phen-NH(2); 5-isothiocyanato-1,10-phenanthroline, phen-ITC; 5-iodoacetamido-1,10-phenanthroline, phen-IAA). The X-ray crystal structure of [Ir(mppz)(2)(bpy-NH(2))](PF(6)) has also been investigated. Upon irradiation, all the complexes display intense and long-lived luminescence under ambient conditions and in 77-K glass. On the basis of the photophysical and electrochemical data, the emission of most of these complexes is assigned to an excited state of predominantly triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer ((3)MLCT) (dpi(Ir) --> pi(N-N)) character. In some cases, triplet intraligand ((3)IL) (pi --> pi)(N-N or N-C(-)) excited states have also been identified. In view of the specific reactivity of the isothiocyanate and iodoacetamide moieties toward the primary amine and sulfhydryl groups, respectively, we have labeled various biological molecules with a selection of these luminescent iridium(III) complexes. The photophysical properties of the luminescent conjugates have been investigated. In addition, a heterogeneous assay for digoxin has also been designed on the basis of the recognition of biotinylated anti-digoxin by avidin labeled with one of the luminescent iridium(III) complexes.     

Luminescent rhenium(I) polypyridine fluorous complexes as novel trifunctional biological probes

We present the synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties of three luminescent rhenium(I) polypyridine fluorous complexes [Re(Me(2)bpy)(CO)(3)(L)](PF(6)) (Me(2)bpy = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine; L = 3-amino-5-(N-((3-perfluorooctyl)propyl)aminocarbonyl)pyridine (py-Rf-NH(2)) (1), 3-isothiocyanato-5-(N-((3-perfluorooctyl)propyl)aminocarbonyl)pyridine (py-Rf-NCS) (2), 3-ethylthioureidyl-5-(N-((3-perfluorooctyl)propyl)aminocarbonyl)pyridine (py-Rf-TU-C(2)H(5)) (3)). The isothiocyanate complex 2 has been used to label bovine serum albumin (BSA) and glutathione (GSH). The photophysical properties of the resultant bioconjugates have been studied. The isolation of the luminescent fluorous rhenium-GSH conjugate from a mixture of 20 amino acids has been demonstrated using fluorous solid-phase extraction (FSPE). Additionally, the cytotoxicity of complexes 1 and 3 toward HeLa cells has been examined by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cellular uptake properties of complex 3 have also been investigated by laser-scanning confocal microscopy.     

Mechanism of the photochemical ligand substitution reactions of fac-[Re(bpy)(CO)(3)(PR(3))](+) complexes and the properties of their triplet ligand-field excited states

We report herein the mechanism of the photochemical ligand substitution reactions of a series of fac-[Re(X(2)bpy)(CO)(3)(PR(3))](+) complexes (1) and the properties of their triplet ligand-field ((3)LF) excited states. The reason for the photostability of the rhenium complexes [Re(X(2)bpy)(CO)(3)(py)](+) (3) and [Re(X(2)bpy)(CO)(3)Cl] (4) was also investigated. Irradiation of an acetonitrile solution of 1 selectively gave the biscarbonyl complexes cis,trans-[Re(X(2)bpy)(CO)(2)(PR(3))(CH(3)CN)](+) (2). Isotope experiments clearly showed that the CO ligand trans to the PR(3) ligand was selectively substituted. The photochemical reactions proceeded via a dissociative mechanism from the (3)LF excited state. The thermodynamical data for the (3)LF excited states of complexes 1 and the corrective nonradiative decay rate constants for the triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer ((3)MLCT) states were obtained from temperature-dependence data for the emission lifetimes and for the quantum yields of the photochemical reactions and the emission. Comparison of 1 with [Re(X(2)bpy)(CO)(3)(py)](+) (3) and [Re(X(2)bpy)(CO)(3)Cl] (4) indicated that the (3)LF states of some 3- and 4-type complexes are probably accessible from the (3)MLCT state even at ambient temperature, but these complexes were stable to irradiation at 365 nm. The photostability of 3 and 4, in contrast to 1, can be explained by differences in the trans effects of the PR(3), py, and Cl(-) ligands.     

Rhenium(I) Polypyridine Diamine Complexes as Intracellular Phosphorogenic Sensors: Synthesis,Characterization, Emissive Behavior,Biological Properties,and Nitric Oxide Sensing

We report the development of a series of rhenium(I) polypyridine complexes appended with an electron‐rich diaminoaromatic moiety as phosphorogenic sensors for nitric oxide (NO). The diamine complexes [Re(N^N)(CO)₃(py‐DA)][PF₆] (py‐DA=3‐(N‐(2‐amino‐5‐methoxyphenyl)aminomethyl)pyridine; N^N=1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) ( 1 a ), 3,4,7,8‐tetramethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (Me₄‐phen) ( 2 a ), 4,7‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (Ph₂‐phen) ( 3 a )) have been synthesized and characterized. In contrast to common rhenium(I) diimines, these diamine complexes were very weakly emissive due to quenching of the triplet metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (³MLCT) emission by the diaminoaromatic moiety through photoinduced electron transfer (PET). Upon treatment with NO, the complexes were converted into the triazole derivatives [Re(N^N)(CO)₃(py‐triazole)][PF₆] (py‐triazole=3‐((6‐methoxybenzotriazol‐1‐yl)methyl)pyridine; N^N=phen ( 1 b ), Me₄‐phen ( 2 b ), Ph₂‐phen ( 3 b )), resulting in significant emission enhancement (I/I₀≈60). The diamine complexes exhibited high reaction selectivity to NO, and their emission intensity was found to be independent on pH. Also, these complexes were effectively internalized by HeLa cells and RAW264.7 macrophages with negligible cytotoxicity. Additionally, the use of complex 3 a as an intracellular phosphorogenic sensor for NO has been demonstrated.     

Complexes of substituted derivatives of 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole with Re(I), Ru(II) and Pt(II): structures, redox and luminescence properties

N,N'-Chelating ligands based on the 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole (PB) core have been prepared with a range of substituents (phenyl, pentafluorophenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, pyrenyl) connected to the periphery via alkylation of the benzimidazolyl unit at one of the N atoms. These PB ligands have been used to prepare a series of complexes of the type [Re(PB)(CO)(3)Cl], [Pt(PB)(CCR)(2)](where -CCR is an acetylide ligand) and [Ru(bpy)(2)(PB)][PF(6)](2)(bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine). Six of the complexes have been structurally characterised. Electrochemical and luminescence studies show that all three series of complexes behave in a similar manner to the analogous complexes with 2,2'-bipyridine in place of PB. In particular, all three series of complexes show luminescence in the range 553-605 nm (Pt series), 620-640 nm (Re series) and 626-645 nm (Ru series) arising from the (3)MLCT state, with members of the Pt(II) series being the most strongly emissive with lifetimes of up to 500 ns and quantum yields of up to 6% in air-saturated CH(2)Cl(2) at room temperature. In the Re and Ru series there was clear evidence for inter-component energy-transfer processes in both directions between the (3)MLCT state of the metal centre and the singlet and triplet states of the pendant organic luminophores (naphthalene, pyrene, anthracene). For example the pyrene singlet is almost completely quenched by energy transfer to a Re-based MLCT excited state, which in turn is completely quenched by energy transfer to the lower-lying pyrene triplet state. For the analogous Ru(II) complexes the inter-component energy transfer is less effective, with (1)anthracene --> Ru((3)MLCT) energy transfer being absent, and Ru((3)MLCT)-->(3)anthracene energy transfer being incomplete. This is rationalised on the basis of a greater effective distance for energy transfer in the Ru(II) series, because the MLCT excited states are localised on the bpy ligands which are remote from the pendant aromatic group; in the Re series in contrast, the MLCT excited states involve the PB ligand to which the pendant aromatic group is directly attached, giving more efficient energy transfer.     

New Ru(II) chromophores with extended excited-state lifetimes

We describe the synthesis, electrochemical, and photophysical properties of two new luminescent Ru(II) diimine complexes covalently attached to one and three 4-piperidinyl-1,8-naphthalimide (PNI) chromophores, [Ru(bpy)(2)(PNI-phen)](PF(6))(2) and [Ru(PNI-phen)(3)](PF(6))(2), respectively. These compounds represent a new class of visible light-harvesting Ru(II) chromophores that exhibit greatly enhanced room-temperature metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) emission lifetimes as a result of intervening intraligand triplet states ((3)IL) present on the pendant naphthalimide chromophore(s). In both Ru(II) complexes, the intense singlet fluorescence of the pendant PNI chromophore(s) is nearly quantitatively quenched and was found to sensitize the MLCT-based photoluminescence. Excitation into either the (1)IL or (1)MLCT absorption bands results in the formation of both (3)MLCT and (3)IL excited states, conveniently monitored by transient absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The relative energy ordering of these triplet states was determined using time-resolved emission spectra at 77 K in an EtOH/MeOH glass where dual emission from both Ru(II) complexes was observed. Here, the shorter-lived higher energy emission has a spectral profile consistent with that typically observed from (3)MLCT excited states, whereas the millisecond lifetime lower energy band was attributed to (3)IL phosphorescence of the PNI chromophore. At room temperature the data are consistent with an excited-state equilibrium between the higher energy (3)MLCT states and the lower energy (3)PNI states. Both complexes display MLCT-based emission with room-temperature lifetimes that range from 16 to 115 micros depending upon solvent and the number of PNI chromophores present. At 77 K it is apparent that the two triplet states are no longer in thermal equilibrium and independently decay to the ground state.     

Synthesis, characterization, and photochemical and computational investigations of Ru(II) heterocyclic complexes containing 2,6-dimethylphenylisocyanide (CNx) ligand

The isocyanide ligand forms complexes with ruthenium(II) bis-bipyridine of the type [Ru(bpy)(2)(CNx)Cl](CF(3)SO(3)) (1), [Ru(bpy)(2)(CNx)(py)](PF(6))(2) (2), and [Ru(bpy)(2)(CNx)(2)](PF(6))(2) (3) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, py = pyridine, and CNx = 2,6-dimethylphenylisocyanide). The redox potentials shift positively as the number of CNx ligands increases. The metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) bands of the complexes are located at higher energy than 450 nm and blue shift in proportion to the number of CNx ligands. The complexes are not emissive at room temperature but exhibit intense structured emission bands at 77 K with emission lifetimes as high as 25 micros. Geometry optimization of the complexes in the singlet ground and lowest-lying triplet states performed using density functional theory (DFT) provides information about the orbital heritage and correlates with X-ray and electrochemical results. The lowest-lying triplet-state energies correlate well with the 77 K emission energies for the three complexes. Singlet excited states calculated in ethanol using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) and the conductor-like polarizable continuum model (CPCM) provide information that correlates favorably with the experimental absorption spectra in ethanol.     

Fe(II), Ru(II) and Re(I) complexes of endotopic, sterically non-hindering, U-shaped 8,8'-disubstituted-3,3'-biisoquinoline ligands: syntheses and spectroscopic properties

The redox behaviour, optical-absorption spectra and emission properties of U-shaped and elongated disubstituted biisoquinoline ligands and of derived octahedral Fe(ii), Ru(ii), and Re(i) complexes are reported. The ligands are 8,8'-dichloro-3,3'-biisoquinoline (1), 8,8'-dianisyl-3,3'-biisoquinoline (2), and 8,8'-di(phenylanisyl)-3,3'-biisoquinoline (3), and the complexes are [Fe(3)(3)](2+), [Fe(2)(3)](2+), [Ru(1)(phen)(2)](2+), [Ru(2)(3)](2+), [Ru(3)(3)](2+), [Re(2)(py)(CO)(3)](+), and [Re()(py)(CO)(3)](+). For the ligands, the optical properties as observed in dichloromethane are in line with expectations based on the predominant (1)pipi* nature of the involved excited states, with contributions at lower energies from (1)npi* and (1)ILCT (intraligand charge transfer) transitions. For all of the Fe(ii), Ru(ii), and Re(i) complexes, studied in acetonitrile, the transitions associated with the lowest-energy absorption band are of (1)MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) nature. The emission properties, as observed at room temperature and at 77 K, can be described as follows: (i) the Fe(ii) complexes do not emit, either at room temperature or at 77 K; (ii) the room-temperature emission of the Ru(ii) complexes (phi(em) > 10(-3), tau in the micros range) is of mixed (3)MLCT/(3)LC character (and similarly at 77 K); and (iii) the room-temperature emission of the Re(i) complexes (phi(em) approximately 3 x 10(-3), tau < 1 ns) is of (3)MLCT character and becomes of (3)LC (ligand-centered) character (tau in the ms time scale) at 77 K. The interplay of the involved excited states in determining the luminescence output is examined.     

Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer between 4-Cyanophenol and Photoexcited Rhenium(I) Complexes with Different Protonatable Sites

Two rhenium(I) tricarbonyl diimine complexes, one of them with a 2,2'-bipyrazine (bpz) and a pyridine (py) ligand in addition to the carbonyls ([Re(bpz)(CO)(3)(py)](+)), and one tricarbonyl complex with a 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) and a 1,4-pyrazine (pz) ligand ([Re(bpy)(CO)(3)(pz)](+)) were synthesized, and their photochemistry with 4-cyanophenol in acetonitrile solution was explored. Metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excitation occurs toward the protonatable bpz ligand in the [Re(bpz)(CO)(3)(py)](+) complex while in the [Re(bpy)(CO)(3)(pz)](+) complex the same type of excitation promotes an electron away from the protonatable pz ligand. This study aimed to explore how this difference in electronic excited-state structure affects the rates and the reaction mechanism for photoinduced proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) between 4-cyanophenol and the two rhenium(I) complexes. Transient absorption spectroscopy provides clear evidence for PCET reaction products, and significant H/D kinetic isotope effects are observed in some of the luminescence quenching experiments. Concerted proton-electron transfer is likely to play an important role in both cases, but a reaction sequence of proton transfer and electron transfer steps cannot be fully excluded for the 4-cyanophenol/[Re(bpz)(CO)(3)(py)](+) reaction couple. Interestingly, the rate constants for bimolecular excited-state quenching are on the same order of magnitude for both rhenium(I) complexes.     

Complexes of functionalized dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]-phenazine: a synthetic, spectroscopic, structural, and density functional theory study

The ligands 11-bromodipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine and ethyl dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine-11-carboxylate have been prepared and coordinated to ruthenium(II), rhenium(I), and copper(I) metal centers. The electronic effects of substitution of dipyrido[2,3-a:3',2'-c]phenazine (dppz) have been investigated by spectroscopy and electrochemistry, and some photophysical properties have been studied. The crystal structures of [Re(L)(CO)(3)Cl] (L = ethyl dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine-11-carboxylate or 11-bromodipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) are presented. Density functional theory calculations on the complexes show only small deviations in bond lengths and angles (most bonds within 0.02 Angstroms, most angles within 2 degrees) from the crystallographic data. Furthermore, the vibrational spectra of the strongest Raman and IR bands are predicted to within an average 6 cm(-1) for the complexes [Re(L)(CO)(3)Cl] and [Cu(L)(triphenylphosphine)(2)]BF(4) (in the 1000-1700 cm(-1) region). Spectroscopic and electrochemical evidence suggest that reduction of the complex causes structural changes across the entire dppz ligand. This is unusual as dppz-based ligands typically have electrochemical properties that suggest charge localization with reduction on the phenazine portion of the ligand. The excited-state lifetimes of the complexes have been measured, and they range from ca. 200 ns for the [Ru(L)(2,2'-bipyridine)(2)](PF(6))(2) complexes to over 2 mus for [Cu(11-bromodipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine)(PPh(3))(2)](BF(4)) at room temperature. The emission spectra suggest that the unusually long-lived excited states of the copper complexes result from metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions as they are completely quenched in methanol. Electroluminescent films may be fabricated from these compounds; they show MLCT state emission even at low doping levels [<0.1% by weight in poly(vinylcarbazole) polymer matrix].     

Photophysical properties of a new series of water soluble iridium bisterpyridine complexes functionalised at the 4' position

Four new hetero- and homo-leptic iridium(III) bisterpyridine complexes have been prepared which incorporate aniline (tpy-φ-NH(2)), benzoic acid (tpy-φ-COOH), and benzyl alcohol (tpy-φ-CH(2)OH) substituents at the 4' positions of the tpy ligands (tpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine, φ = phenylene). The electrochemical behaviour and ground and excited state spectroscopic properties of the complexes are reported, and the X-ray crystal structures of a homoleptic benzyl alcohol [Ir(tpy-φ-CH(2)OH)(2)](PF(6))(3), homoleptic aniline [Ir(tpy-φ-NH(2))(2)](PF(6))(3), and heteroleptic benzyl alcohol/aniline substituted complex [Ir(tpy-φ-CH(2)OH)(tpy-φ-NH(2))](PF(6))(3) have been solved. Complexes with aniline substituents were found to display absorption bands at around 430 nm corresponding to intraligand charge transfer (ILCT) that are sensitive to changes in solvent and pH. Strong emission in the visible region involving the ILCT state is observed in two of the complexes (Φ(e) = 0.7% and 2.6%) in acetonitrile. In the heteroleptic aniline/benzyl alcohol complex the Stokes shift is shown to be linearly related to solvent polarisability according to the Lippert equation, but only for solvents with weak hydrogen bonding interactions. Additionally, in water, emission from the ILCT state is quenched and only weak ligand centred (LC) emission is observed. The long lifetimes and quantum yields of these complexes make them interesting candidates for probes in sensing applications, especially [Ir(tpy-φ-CH(2)OH)(tpy-φ-NH(2))(2)](PF(6))(3) due to its unusual sensitivity to the solvent environment.