Highly Sensitive and Selective Amperometric Detection of Periodate at Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with a Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complex and Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were used as an immobilization matrix to incorporate [Ir(ppy)₂(phen‐dione)](PF₆) complex onto a glassy carbon electrode for the study of electrocatalytic reduction of periodate ion. Detailed preliminary electrochemical data for the Ir(III)‐complex in acetonitrile solution and for the modified GCE/SWCNTs/[Ir(ppy)₂(phen‐dione)](PF₆)/CGE are presented. The modified electrode was applied to selective amperometric detection of periodate through its electrocatalytic reduction to iodide at 0.200 V and pH 2.0. The use of amperometry resulted in two calibration plots over the concentration ranges of 1‐20 μM and 20‐450 μM, with a detection limit of 0.6 μM and sensitivity of 198 nA μM^?1.     

Regiospecific Intermolecular Aminohydroxylation of Olefins by Photoredox Catalysis

A simple and regiospecific aminohydroxylation of olefins by photoredox catalysis has been developed. N‐protected 1‐aminopyridinium salts are the key compounds and serve as amidyl radical precursors by the action of Ir photocatalysts, fac‐[Ir(ppy)₃] and [Ir(ppy)₂(dtbbpy)](PF₆) (ppy=2‐pyridylphenyl, dtbbpy=4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine). The present photocatalytic system allows for synthesis of vicinal aminoalcohol derivatives from olefins with various functional groups under mild reaction conditions with easy handling.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Anticancer Efficacy Studies of Iridium (III) Polypyridyl Complexes against Colon Cancer HCT116 Cells

In this paper, two new iridium (III) complexes, [Ir(ppy)₂(ipbp)](PF₆) (Ir1) (ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, ipbp = 3-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2yl)-4H-chromen-4-one) and [Ir(bzq)₂(ipbp)](PF₆) (Ir2) (bzq = benzo[h]quinolone), were synthesized and characterized. The cytotoxicity of the complexes against human colon cancer HCT116 and normal LO2 cells was evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The complexes Ir1 and Ir2 show high cytotoxic efficacy toward HCT116 cells with a low IC₅₀ value of 1.75 ± 0.10 and 6.12 ± 0.2 µM. Interestingly, Ir1 only kills cancer cells, not normal LO2 cells (IC₅₀ > 200 µM). The inhibition of cell proliferation and migration were investigated by multiple tumor spheroid (3D) and wound healing experiments. The cellular uptake was explored under a fluorescence microscope. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), change of mitochondrial membrane potential, glutathione (GSH) and adenine nucleoside triphosphate (ATP) were studied. Apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were performed by flow cytometry. The results show that the complexes induce early apoptosis and inhibit the cell proliferation at the G0/G1 phase. Additionally, the apoptotic mechanism was researched by Western blot analysis. The results obtained demonstrate that the complexes cause apoptosis in HCT116 cells through ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and the inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.     

Synthesis and characterization of iridium polypyridyl complexes with ester groups with potential applications in covalent attachment to metal oxide surfaces

We report the synthesis and characterization of two iridium polypyridyl complexes, [Ir(deeb)₂Cl₂](PF₆) and [Ir(deeb)₂(dpp)](PF₆)₃, where deeb?=?diethyl-2,2′-bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxylate and dpp?=?2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine. From ¹H NMR spectral data, the two deeb ligands are attached to Ir cis to each other. Mass spectra contain fragmentation patterns of the (M-PF₆)⁺ and (M-3PF₆)³⁺ molecular ions for [Ir(deeb)₂Cl₂](PF₆) and [Ir(deeb)₂(dpp)](PF₆)₃, respectively. The electronic absorption spectrum of [Ir(deeb)₂Cl₂](PF₆) shows maxima at 308?nm and 402?nm, which are assigned as ¹π?→?π* and metal-to-ligand charge transfer transitions, respectively. [Ir(deeb)₂(dpp)](PF₆)₃ exhibits peaks due to ¹π?→?π* transitions at 322?nm and 334?nm. [Ir(deeb)₂Cl₂](PF₆) has emission peaks at 538?nm in acetonitrile and 567?nm in the solid state, with lifetimes of 1.71?µs and 0.35?µs, respectively. [Ir(deeb)₂Cl₂](PF₆) has an unusually higher quantum yield than analogous compounds. [Ir(deeb)₂(dpp)](PF₆)₃ has emission peaks at 540?nm in acetonitrile and 599?nm in the solid state with lifetimes of 1.23?µs and 0.14?µs, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry of [Ir(deeb)₂Cl₂](PF₆) yields two reversible couples at ?0.72 and ?0.87?V versus Ag/AgCl, both corresponding to deeb ligand reductions, and a quasi-reversible couple at ?1.48?V corresponding to Ir^3+/+ reduction. Electrochemical reduction of [Ir(deeb)₂(dpp)](PF₆)₃ yields couples at ?0.38, ?0.54, ?0.71, and ?1.33?V, assigned as deeb^0/?, deeb^0/?, dpp^0/?, and Ir^3+/+ reductions, respectively.     

Neutral and cationic cyclometallated Ir(III) complexes of anthra[1,2-d]imidazole-6,11-dione-derived ligands: Syntheses, structures and spectroscopic characterisation

The syntheses of two new ligands and five new heteroleptic cyclometallated Ir(III) complexes are reported. The ligands are based upon a functionalised anthra[1,2-d]imidazole-6,11-dione core giving LH¹⁻³ incorporating a pendant pyridine, quinoline or thiophene unit respectively. Neutrally charged, octahedral complexes [Ir(ppy)₂(L¹⁻³)] are chelated by two cyclometallated phenylpyridine (ppy) ligands and a third, ancillary deprotonated ligand L¹⁻³, whilst cationic analogues could only be isolated for [Ir(ppy)₂(LH¹⁻²)][PF₆]. X-ray crystal structures for [Ir(ppy)₂(L¹)], [Ir(ppy)₂(LH¹)][PF₆] and [Ir(ppy)₂(L²)] showed the complexes adopt a distorted octahedral coordination geometry, with the anthra[1,2-d]imidazole-6,11-dione ligands coordinating in a bidentate fashion. Preliminary DFT calculations revealed that for the complexes of LH¹ and LH² the LUMO is exclusively localized on the ancillary ligand, whereas the nature of the HOMO depends on the protonation state of the ancillary ligand, often being composed of both Ir(III) and phenylpyridine character. UV-vis. and luminescence data showed that the ligands absorb into the visible region ca. 400 nm and emit ca. 560 nm, both of which are attributed to an intra-ligand CT transition within the anthra[1,2-d]imidazole-6,11-dione core. The complexes display absorption bands attributed to overlapping ligand-centred and ¹MLCT-type electronic transitions, whilst only [Ir(ppy)₂(L²)] appeared to possess typical ³MLCT behaviour (λ_em = 616 nm; τ = 96 ns in aerated MeCN). The remaining complexes were generally visibly emissive (λ_em ≈ 560-570 nm; τ < 10 ns in aerated MeCN) with very oxygen-sensitive lifetimes more indicative of ligand-centred processes.     

Red‐ and Green‐Emitting Iridium(III) Complexes for a Dual Barometric and Temperature‐Sensitive Paint

A new dual luminescent sensitive paint for barometric pressure and temperature (T) is presented. The green‐emitting iridium(III) complex [Ir(ppy)₂(carbac)] (ppy=2‐phenylpyridine; carbac=1‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)‐5,5‐dimethylhexane‐2,4‐dione) was applied as a novel probe for T along with the red‐emitting complex [Ir(btpy)₃], (btpy=2‐(benzo[b]thiophene‐2‐yl)pyridine) which functions as a barometric (in fact oxygen‐sensitive) probe. Both iridium complexes were dissolved in different polymer materials to achieve optimal responses. The probe [Ir(ppy)₂(carbac)] was dispersed in gas‐blocking poly(acrylonitrile) microparticles in order to suppress any quenching of its luminescence by oxygen. The barometric probe [Ir(btpy)₃], in turn, was incorporated in a cellulose acetate butyrate film which exhibits good permeability for oxygen. The effects of temperature on the response of the oxygen probe can be corrected by simultaneous optical determination of T, as the poly(acrylonitrile) microparticles containing the temperature indicator are incorporated into the film. The phosphorescent signals of the probes for T and barometric pressure, respectively, can be separated by optical filters due to the ≈75 nm difference in their emission maxima. The dual sensor is applicable to luminescence lifetime imaging of T and barometric pressure. It is the first luminescent dual sensor material for barometric pressure/T based exclusively on the use of Ir^III complexes in combination with luminescence lifetime imaging.     

Decreased Turn‐On Times of Single‐Component Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells by Tethering an Ionic Iridium Complex with Imidazolium Moieties

We report a significant decrease in turn‐on times of light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) by tethering imidazolium moieties onto a cationic Ir complex. The introduction of two imidazolium groups at the ends of the two alkyl side chains of [Ir(ppy)₂(dC6‐daf)]⁺(PF₆)^? (ppy=2‐phenylpyridine, dC6‐daf=9,9′‐dihexyl‐4,5‐diazafluorene) gave the complex [Ir(ppy)₂(dC6MIM‐daf)]³⁺[(PF₆)^?]₃ (dC6MIM‐daf=9,9‐bis[6‐(3‐methylimidazolium)hexyl]‐1‐yl‐4,5‐diazafluorene). Both complexes exhibited similar photoluminescent/electrochemical properties and comparable electroluminescent efficiencies. The turn‐on times of the LECs based on the latter complex, however, were much lower than those of devices based on the former. The improvement is ascribed to increased concentrations of mobile counterions ((PF₆)^?) in the neat films and a consequent increase in neat‐film ionic conductivity. These results demonstrate that the technique is useful for molecular modifications of ionic transition‐metal complexes (ITMCs) to improve the turn‐on times of LECs and to realize single‐component ITMC LECs compatible with simple driving schemes.     

Turn‐On Fluorescence in Tetra‐NHC Ligands by Rigidification through Metal Complexation: An Alternative to Aggregation‐Induced Emission

Two tetraphenylethylene (TPE) bridged tetraimidazolium salts, [H₄ L ‐Et](PF₆)₄ and [H₄ L ‐Bu](PF₆)₄, were used as precursors for the synthesis of the dinuclear Ag^I and Au^I tetracarbene complexes [Ag₂( L ‐Et)](PF₆)₂, [Ag₂( L ‐Bu)](PF₆)₂, [Au₂( L ‐Et)](PF₆)₂, and [Au₂( L ‐Bu)](PF₆)₂. The tetraimidazolium salts show almost no fluorescence (Φ _F<1 %) in dilute solution while their NHC complexes display fluorescence “turn‐on” (Φ _F up to 47 %). This can be ascribed to rigidification mediated by the restriction of intramolecular rotation within the TPE moiety upon complexation. DFT calculations confirm that the metals are not involved in the lowest excited singlet and triplet states, thus explaining the lack of phosphorescence and fast intersystem crossing as a result of heavy atom effects. The rigidification upon complexation for fluorescence turn‐on constitutes an alternative to the known aggregation‐induced emission (AIE).     

New Ruthenium(II) Complexes Functionalized with Coumarin Derivatives: Synthesis,Energy‐Transfer‐Based Sensing of Esterase,Cytotoxicity, and Imaging Studies

Two new bichromophoric ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(bpy)₂(bpy‐CM)](PF₆)₂ and [Ru(bpy)₂(bpy‐CM343)](PF₆)₂ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, CM=coumarin) with appended coumarin ligands have been designed and synthesized. The energy‐transfer‐based sensing of esterase by the complexes has been studied by using UV/Vis and luminescence spectroscopic methods. The cytotoxicity and the cellular uptake of one of the complexes have also been investigated.     

系列含4，5-二氮杂-9，9’-螺二芴配体的钌配合物的合成及其性能研究

本文合成了3个新钌（Ⅱ）配合物,[Ru（bpy）₂（SB）]（PF₆）₂、[Ru（bpy）（SB）₂]（PF₆）₂和[Ru（SB）₃]（PF₆）₂（bpy=2,2’-bipyridine,SB=4,5-diaza-9,9’-spirobifluorene）,通过核磁和元素分析对配合物的结构进行了确定。[Ru（bpy）₂（SB）]（PF₆）₂通过X射线单晶衍射确认了结构。研究了配合物的光物理性能。结果表明[Ru（bpy）₂（SB）]（PF₆）₂在乙腈中的发桔红光,波长为606nm,量子产率约为0.0012。在同样条件下[Ru（bpy）（SB）₂]（PF₆）₂和[Ru（SB）₃]（PF₆）₂的发光非常微弱甚至几乎没有发光。还研究了这些配合物的电致化学发光性能。随着配体中SB含量的增加,发光的峰电压从1.36V增加到1.58V,相对发光强度从731降低到52。     

系列含4,5-二氮杂-9,9′-螺二芴配体的钌配合物的合成及其性能研究(英文)

合成了3个钌髤配合物,[Ru(bpy)2(SB)](PF6)2、[Ru(bpy)(SB)2](PF6)2和[Ru(SB)3](PF6)2(bpy=2,2′-bipyridine,SB=4,5-diaza-9,9′-spirobifluorene),通过核磁和元素分析对配合物的结构进行了确定。[Ru(bpy)2(SB)](PF6)2通过X射线单晶衍射确认了结构。研究了配合物的光物理性能。结果表明[Ru(bpy)2(SB)](PF6)2在乙腈中的发桔红光,波长为606 nm,量子产率约为0.001 2。在同样条件下[Ru(bpy)(SB)2](PF6)2和[Ru(SB)3](PF6)2的发光非常微弱甚至几乎没有发光。还研究了这些配合物的电致化学发光性能。随着配体中SB含量的增加,发光的峰电压从1.36 V增加到1.58 V,相对发光强度从731降低到52。     

Theoretical design of phosphorescence parameters for organic electro-luminescence devices based on iridium complexes

Time-dependent density functional theory with quadratic response methodology is used in order to calculate and compare spin–orbit coupling effects and the main mechanism of phosphorescence of the neutral Ir(ppy)₃ and cationic [Ir(bpy)₃]³⁺ tris-iridium compounds, [Ir(ppy)₂(bpy)]⁺ and [Ir(2-phenylpyridine)₂(4,4′-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine]⁺ complexes, including also the recently synthesised [Ir(2-phenylpyridine)₂(4,4′-dimethylamino-2,2′-bipyridine]⁺ and [Ir(2,4-difluorophenylpyridine)₂(4,4′-dimethylamino-2,2′-bipyridine]⁺ dyes, where ppy = 2-phenylpyridine and bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine ligands. Comparison with the symmetric, lighter and more studied [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ and [Rh(bpy)₃]³⁺ complexes is also presented. Variations in phosphorescence lifetimes for Ir(ppy)₃ and [Ir(bpy)₃]³⁺ dyes as well as for the mixed cationic complexes are well reproduced by the quadratic response method. All the ortho-metalated iridium compounds exhibit strong phosphorescence, which is used in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to overcome the efficiency limit imposed by the formation of triplet excitons. The results from the first principle theoretical analysis of phosphorescence have helped to clarify the connections between the main features of electronic structure and the photo-physical properties of the studied heavy organometallic OLED materials.     

Electroluminescent Properties of LECs Based on Ionic Transition Metal Complexes Using Tetrazole-Based Ancillary Ligand

Light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) are a promising type of electroluminescent device for display and lighting applications. In this study, LECs based on ionic iridium complexes utilizing a tetrazole based ancillary ligand were fabricated and their electrical properties were investigated. Two new iridium(III) complexes with tetrazole based ancillary ligands, namely, [Ir(ppy)₂(tetrazole)]PF₆ (complex 1) and [Ir(dfppy)₂(tetrazole)]PF₆ (complex 2) (where ppy is 2-phenylpyridine, dfppy is 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine, tetrazole is 5-bromo-2-(2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)-pyridine and PF₆ is hexafluorophosphate), have been synthesized and characterized. These synthesized complexes were used for the fabrication of LEC devices. LECs based on complex 1 result in orange light emission (576 nm) with the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.45, 0.49), while complex 2 emits green (518 nm) electroluminescence with the CIE coordinates of (0.33, 0.49). Our work suggests that the light emission of cationic iridium complexes can easily be tuned by the substituents on the cyclometalated ligands.     

TEMPO‐Mediated Oxidation of Primary Alcohols to Aldehydes under Visible Light and Air

A homogeneous visible light photoredox TEMPO‐mediated selective oxidation of primary alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds was developed using molecular oxygen from air as the terminal oxidant. Ru(bpy)₃(PF₆)₂ (bpy: bipyridyl) and Ir(dtb‐bpy)(ppy)₂(PF₆) (dtb‐bpy: 4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl; ppy: 2‐phenylpyridine) were used as the sensitizers.     

The coupling of potassium organotrifluoroborates with Baylis–Hillman derivatives via visible-light photoredox catalysis

Catalyzed by Ir[dF(CF₃)ppy]₂(dtbbpy)PF₆, the coupling of potassium organotrifluoroborates with Baylis–Hillman derivatives under visible light irradiation has been developed. Based on the mechanism of reductive quenching cycle, it provides an easy, mild, efficient method for the synthesis of a variety of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic esters derivatives in a broad scope of the substrates.     

Syntheses,Structures, and Properties of Phosphorescent Iridium(III) Complexes Containing N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands

The organic salts 1‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐3‐alkylbenzimidazolium halide (pm‐RbH ⁺X⁻) and 1‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐3‐alkylimidazolium halide (pm‐R′iH ⁺X′⁻) were prepared (where R = 4‐, 3‐, 2‐fluorobenzyl ( 4f , 3f , and 2f , respectively), 4‐, 3‐, 2‐chlorobenzyl ( 4c , 3c , and 2c , respectively); 4‐methoxybenzyl (4mo); 2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzyl (f₅); benzyl (b); and methyl (m)); X = Cl and Br; R′ = benzyl (b) and methyl (m); and X′ = Cl and I. From these salts, heteroleptic Ir(III ) complexes containing one N ‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC ) ligand [Ir(κ²‐ppy)₂(κ²‐(pm‐Rb))]PF₆ (R = 4f, 1 (PF₆ ); 3f, 2 (PF₆ ); 2f, 3 (PF₆ ); f₅b, 4 (PF₆ ); 4c, 5 (PF₆ ); 3c, 6 (PF₆ ); 2c, 7 (PF₆ ); 4mo, 8 (PF₆ ); b, 9 (PF₆ ); m, 10 (PF₆ )) and [Ir(κ²‐ppy)₂(κ²‐(pm‐R′i))]PF₆ (R = b, 11 (PF₆ ); m, 12 (PF₆ )), were synthesized, and the crystal structures of 1 (PF₆ ), 2 (PF₆ ), 3 (PF₆ ), 5 (PF₆ ), 6 (PF₆ ), 7 (PF₆ ), 9 (PF₆ ), 10 (PF₆ ), and 12 (PF₆ ) were determined by X‐ray diffraction. The neutral NHC ligands 1‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐3‐alkylbenzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene (pm‐Rb) and 1‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)‐3‐alkylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene (pm‐R′i) of all cations were found to be involved in the intermolecular π−π stacking interactions with the surrounding cations in the solid state, thereby probably influencing the photophysical behavior in the solid state and in solution. The absorption and emission properties of all the complexes show only small variations.     

Effects of fluorine substituent on properties of cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes with a 2,2′-bipyridine ancillary ligand

Cationic cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes (Ir1-Ir5) with fluorine-substituted 2-phenylpyridine (ppy) derivatives as C^N cyclometalating ligands and 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) as the ancillary ligand, have been synthesized and fully characterized. The influences of the number and the position of fluorine atoms at the cyclometalating ligands on the photophysical, electrochemical and oxygen sensing properties of the Ir(III) complexes have been investigated systematically. The introduction of fluorine on the C^N cyclometalating ligands of the complexes results in blue-shifts of the maximum emission wavelengths, and increases in the photoluminescence quantum yields (Φ_PL), phosphorescence lifetimes and energy gaps, compared to the non-fluorinated [Ir(ppy)₂(bpy)]⁺PF₆^? (Ir0). Among them, 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)pyridine-derived Ir4 shows the maximum blue-shift (514 nm vs. 575 nm for Ir0) and the highest Φ_PL (50.8% vs. 6.5% for Ir0). The complex Ir3 with 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-fluoropyridine as C^N ligand exhibits the highest oxygen sensitivity and excellent operational stability in 10 cycles within 4000 s.     

Photoredox mediated annelation of iododifluoromethylated alcohols with 1,1-diarylethylenes

A method for the synthesis of 3,3-difluorotetrahydrofurans from iododifluoromethylated alcohols and 1,1-diarylethylenes is described. The reaction is performed under irradiation with 400?nm light emitting diodes in the presence of a cationic iridium(III) photocatalyst, [Ir(ppy)₂(dtbbpy)]PF₆, substoichiometric amounts of triphenylphosphine and sodium trifluoroacetate as a base.     

Polymerizable cationic iridium(III) complexes exhibiting color tunable light emission and their corresponding conducting metallopolymers

Cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes have been synthesized for use in a variety of photophysical applications, including polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs). A series of new complexes with one electrochemically polymerizable ligand and two phenylpyridine(ppy)-based ligands have been prepared: [Ir(ppy)₂L][PF₆](1), [Ir(F-mppy)₂L][PF₆](2), and [Ir(Br-mppy)₂L][PF₆](3), where L = 3,8-bis(2,2′-bithien-5-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline. The ancillary ppy ligands can be easily varied synthetically to tune emission color of the monomer from blue–green to red. The solid state structure of complex 1 has been obtained by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Conducting polymer materials have been prepared by electropolymerization of monomers and were characterized through XPS analysis and spectroscopic studies.     

Photoluminescent and electrochemiluminescent dual-signaling probe for bio-thiols based on a ruthenium(II) complex

Photoluminescence (PL) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection techniques are highly sensitive and widely used methods for clinical diagnostics and analytical biotechnology. In this work, a unique ruthenium(II) complex, [Ru(bpy)₂(DNBSO-bpy)](PF₆)₂ (bpy: 2,2′-bipyridine; DNBSO-bpy: 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonate of 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,2′-bipyridine), has been designed and synthesized as a highly sensitive and selective PL and ECL dual-signaling probe for the recognition and detection of bio-thiols in aqueous media. As a thiol-responsive probe, the complex can specifically and rapidly react with bio-thiols in aqueous solutions to yield a bipyridine-Ru(II) complex derivative, [Ru(bpy)₂(HP-bpy)]²⁺ (HP-bpy: 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,2′-bipyridine), accompanied by the remarkable PL and ECL enhancements. The complex was used as a probe for the PL and ECL detections of cysteine (Cys) and glutathione (GSH) in aqueous solutions. The dose-dependent PL and ECL enhancements showed good linear relationships against the Cys/GSH concentrations with the detection limits at nano-molar concentration level. Moreover, the complex-loaded HeLa cells were prepared for PL imaging of the endogenous intracellular thiols. The results demonstrated the practical utility of the complex as a cell-membrane permeable probe for PL imaging detection of bio-thiols in living cells.