Synthesis,One‐ and Two‐Photon Photophysical and Excited‐State Properties,and Sensing Application of a New Phosphorescent Dinuclear Cationic Iridium(III) Complex

A new phosphorescent dinuclear cationic iridium(III) complex ( Ir1 ) with a donor–acceptor–π‐bridge–acceptor–donor (D? A? π? A? D)‐conjugated oligomer ( L1 ) as a N^N ligand and a triarylboron compound as a C^N ligand has been synthesized. The photophysical and excited‐state properties of Ir1 and L1 were investigated by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and molecular‐orbital calculations, and they were compared with those of the mononuclear iridium(III) complex [Ir(Bpq)₂(bpy)]⁺PF₆^? ( Ir0 ). Compared with Ir0 , complex Ir1 shows a more‐intense optical‐absorption capability, especially in the visible‐light region. For example, complex Ir1 shows an intense absorption band that is centered at λ=448 nm with a molar extinction coefficient (ε) of about 10⁴, which is rarely observed for iridium(III) complexes. Complex Ir1 displays highly efficient orange–red phosphorescent emission with an emission wavelength of 606 nm and a quantum efficiency of 0.13 at room temperature. We also investigated the two‐photon‐absorption properties of complexes Ir0 , Ir1 , and L1 . The free ligand ( L1 ) has a relatively small two‐photon absorption cross‐section (δ_max=195 GM), but, when complexed with iridium(III) to afford dinuclear complex Ir1 , it exhibits a higher two‐photon‐absorption cross‐section than ligand L1 in the near‐infrared region and an intense two‐photon‐excited phosphorescent emission. The maximum two‐photon‐absorption cross‐section of Ir1 is 481 GM, which is also significantly larger than that of Ir0 . In addition, because the strong B? F interaction between the dimesitylboryl groups and F^? ions interrupts the extended π‐conjugation, complex Ir1 can be used as an excellent one‐ and two‐photon‐excited “ON–OFF” phosphorescent probe for F^? ions.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Reactivity of Hydridoiridium Complexes Bearing a Pincer‐Type PSiP Ligand

A series of iridium tetrahydride complexes [Ir(H)₄(PSiP‐R)] bearing a tridentate pincer‐type bis(phosphino)silyl ligand ([{2‐(R₂P)C₆H₄}₂MeSi]⁻, PSiP‐R, R=Cy, iPr, or tBu) were synthesized by the reduction of [IrCl(H)(PSiP‐R)] with Me₄N ⋅ BH₄ under argon. The same reaction under a nitrogen atmosphere afforded a rare example of thermally stable iridium(III)–dinitrogen complexes, [Ir(H)₂(N₂)(PSiP‐R)]. Two isomeric dinitrogen complexes were produced, in which the PSiP ligand coordinated to the iridium center in meridional and facial orientations, respectively. Attempted substitution of the dinitrogen ligand in [Ir(H)₂(N₂)(PSiP‐Cy)] with PMe₃ required heating at 150 °C to give the expected [Ir(H)₂(PMe₃)(PSiP‐Cy)] and a trigonal bipyramidal iridium(I)–dinitrogen complex, [Ir(N₂)(PMe₃)(PSiP‐Cy)]. The reaction of [Ir(H)₄(PSiP‐Cy)] with three equivalents of 2‐norbornene (nbe) in benzene afforded [Ir^I(nbe)(PSiP‐Cy)] in a high yield, while a similar reaction of [Ir(H)₄(PSiP‐R)] with an excess of 3,3‐dimethylbutene (tbe) in benzene gave the C H bond activation product, [Ir^III(H)(Ph)(PSiP‐R)], in high yield. The oxidative addition of benzene is reversible; heating [Ir^III(H)(Ph)(PSiP‐Cy)] in the presence of PPh₃ in benzene resulted in reductive elimination of benzene, coordination of PPh₃, and activation of the C H bond of one aromatic ring in PPh₃. [Ir^III(H)(Ph)(PSiP‐R)] catalyzed a direct borylation reaction of the benzene C H bond with bis(pinacolato)diboron. Molecular structures of most of the new complexes in this study were determined by a single‐crystal X‐ray analysis.     

Charge‐Neutral Amidinate‐Containing Iridium Complexes Capable of Efficient Photocatalytic Water Reduction

Two new charge‐neutral iridium complexes, [Ir(tfm‐ppy)₂(N,N′‐diisopropyl‐benzamidinate)] ( 1 ) and [Ir(tfm‐ppy)₂(N,N′‐diisopropyl‐4‐diethylamino‐3,5‐dimethyl‐benzamidinate)] ( 2 ) (tfm‐ppy=4‐trifluoromethyl‐2‐phenylpyridine) containing an amidinate ligand and two phenylpyridine ligands were designed and characterised. The photophysical properties, electrochemical behaviours and emission quenching properties of these species were investigated. In concert with the cobalt catalyst [Co(bpy)₃]²⁺, members of this new class of iridium complexes enable the photocatalytic generation of hydrogen from mixed aqueous solutions via an oxidative quenching pathway and display long‐term photostability under constant illumination over 72 h; one of these species achieved a relatively high turnover number of 1880 during this time period. In the case of complex 1 , the three‐component homogeneous photocatalytic system proved to be more efficient than a related system containing a charged complex, [Ir(tfm‐ppy)₂(dtb‐bpy)]⁺ ( 3 , dtb‐bpy=4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐dipyridyl). In combination with a rhodium complex as a water reduction catalyst, the performances of the systems using both complexes were also evaluated, and these systems exhibited a more efficient catalytic propensity for water splitting than did the cobalt‐based systems that have been studied previously.     

Synthesis,structural and chemosensitivity studies of arene d6 metal complexes having N‐phenyl‐N´‐(pyridyl/pyrimidyl)thiourea derivatives

The d⁶ metal complexes of thiourea derivatives were synthesized to investigate its cytotoxicity. Treatment of various N‐phenyl‐N´ pyridyl/pyrimidyl thiourea ligands with half‐sandwich d⁶ metal precursors yielded a series of cationic complexes. Reactions of ligand (L1‐L3) with [(p‐cymene)RuCl₂]₂ and [Cp*MCl₂]₂ (M = Rh/Ir) led to the formation of a series of cationic complexes bearing general formula [(arene)M(L1)к²_(N,S)Cl]⁺, [(arene)M(L2)к²_(N,S)Cl]⁺ and [(arene)M(L3)к²_(N,S)Cl]⁺ [arene = p‐cymene, M = Ru ( 1 , 4 , 7 ); Cp*, M = Rh ( 2 , 5 , 8 ); Cp*, Ir ( 3 , 6 , 9 )]. These compounds were isolated as their chloride salts. X‐ray crystallographic studies of the complexes revealed the coordination of the ligands to the metal in a bidentate chelating N,S‐ manner. Further the cytotoxicity studies of the thiourea derivatives and its complexes evaluated against HCT‐116 (human colorectal cancer), MIA‐PaCa‐2 (human pancreatic cancer) and ARPE‐19 (non‐cancer retinal epithelium) cancer cell lines showed that the thiourea ligands displayed no activity. Upon complexation however, the metal compounds possesses cytotoxicity and whilst potency is less than cisplatin, several complexes exhibited greater selectivity for HCT‐116 or MIA‐PaCa‐2 cells compared to ARPE‐19 cells than cisplatin in vitro. Rhodium complexes of thiourea derivatives were found to be more potent as compared to ruthenium and iridium complexes.     

Synthesis and luminescence of poly(phenylacetylene)s with pendant iridium complexes and carbazole groups

Poly(phenylacetylene)s containing pendant phosphorescent iridium complexes have been synthesized and their electrochemical, photo‐ and electroluminescent properties studied. The polymers have been synthesized by rhodium‐catalyzed copolymerization of 9‐(4‐ethynylphenyl)carbazole (CzPA) and phenylacetylenes (C∧N)₂Ir(κ²‐O,O′‐MeC(O)CHC(O)C₆H₄C?CH‐4) (C∧N = κ²‐N,C¹‐2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)phenyl (Ir^ppyPA) or κ²‐N,C¹‐2‐(isoquinolin‐1‐yl)phenyl (Ir^piqPA)). In addition, organic poly(phenylacetylene)s with pendant carbazole groups have been synthesized by rhodium‐catalyzed copolymerization of CzPA and 1‐ethynyl‐4‐pentylbenzene. Complex (C∧N)₂Ir(κ²‐O,O′‐MeC(O)CHC(O)Ph) (Ir^piqPh; C∧N = 2‐(isoquinolin‐1‐yl)phenyl‐κ²‐N,C¹) was prepared and characterized. While the copolymers of the Ir^ppy series were weakly phosphorescent, those of the Ir^piq series displayed at room temperature intense emissions from the carbazole (fluorescence) and iridium (phosphorescence) emitters, being the latter dominant when the spectra were recorded using polymer films. Triple layer OLED devices employing copolymers of the Ir^piq series or the model complex Ir^piqPh yielded electroluminescence with an emission spectra originating from the iridium complex and maximum external quantum efficiencies of 0.46% and 2.99%, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 3744–3757, 2010     

Investigation and Comparison of the Mechanistic Steps in the [(Cp*MCl2)2] (Cp*=C5Me5; M=Rh,Ir)‐Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation of Isoquinolones with Alkynes

The mechanism of the [(Cp*MCl₂)₂] (M=Rh, Ir)‐catalyzed oxidative annulation reaction of isoquinolones with alkynes was investigated in detail. In the first acetate‐assisted C? H‐activation process (cyclometalated step) and the subsequent mono‐alkyne insertion into the M? C bonds of the cyclometalated compounds, both Rh and Ir complexes participated well. However, the desired final products, dibenzo[a,g]quinolizin‐8‐one derivatives, were only formed in high yield when the Rh species participated in the final oxidative coupling of the C? N bond. Moreover, a Rh^I sandwich intermediate was isolated during this transformation. The iridium complexes were found to be inactive in the oxidative coupling processes. All of the relevant intermediates were fully characterized and determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Based on this mechanistic study, a Rh^III→Rh^I→Rh^III catalytic cycle was proposed for this reaction.     

Versatile reactivity of half-sandwich Ir and Rh complexes toward carboranylamidinates and their derivatives: synthesis, structure, and catalytic activity for norbornene polymerization

Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of carboranylamidinate‐based half‐sandwich iridium and rhodium complexes are reported for the first time. Treatment of dimeric metal complexes [{Cp*M(μ‐Cl)Cl}₂] (M=Ir, Rh; Cp*=η⁵‐C₅Me₅) with a solution of one equivalent of nBuLi and a carboranylamidine produces 18‐electron complexes [Cp*IrCl(Cab^N‐DIC)] ( 1 a ; Cab^N‐DIC=[iPrN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NHiPr)]), [Cp*RhCl(Cab^N‐DIC)] ( 1 b ), and [Cp*RhCl(Cab^N‐DCC)] ( 1 c ; Cab^N‐DCC=[CyN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NHCy)]). A series of 16‐electron half‐sandwich Ir and Rh complexes [Cp*Ir(Cab^N′‐DIC)] ( 2 a ; Cab^N′‐DIC=[iPrN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NiPr)]), [Cp*Ir(Cab^N′‐DCC)] ( 2 b , Cab^N′‐DCC=[CyN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NCy)]), and [Cp*Rh(Cab^N′‐DIC)] ( 2 c ) is also obtained when an excess of nBuLi is used. The unexpected products [Cp*M(Cab^N,S‐DIC)], [Cp*M(Cab^N,S‐DCC)] (M=Ir 3 a , 3 b ; Rh 3 c , 3 d ), formed through BH activation, are obtained by reaction of [{Cp*MCl₂}₂] with carboranylamidinate sulfides [RN?C(closo‐1,2‐C₂B₁₀H₁₀)(NHR)]S^? (R=iPr, Cy), which can be prepared by inserting sulfur into the C? Li bond of lithium carboranylamidinates. Iridium complex 1 a shows catalytic activities of up to 2.69×10⁶ g_PNB ${{\rm{mol}}_{{\rm{Ir}}}^{ - {\rm{1}}} }Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of carboranylamidinate-based half-sandwich iridium and rhodium complexes are reported for the first time. Treatment of dimeric metal complexes [{Cp*M(μ-Cl)Cl}(2)] (M = Ir, Rh; Cp* = η(5)-C(5)Me(5)) with a solution of one equivalent of nBuLi and a carboranylamidine produces 18-electron complexes [Cp*IrCl(Cab(N)-DIC)] (1?a; Cab(N)-DIC = [iPrN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10))(NHiPr)]), [Cp*RhCl(Cab(N)-DIC)] (1?b), and [Cp*RhCl(Cab(N)-DCC)] (1?c; Cab(N)-DCC = [CyN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10))(NHCy)]). A series of 16-electron half-sandwich Ir and Rh complexes [Cp*Ir(Cab(N')-DIC)] (2?a; Cab(N')-DIC = [iPrN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10))(NiPr)]), [Cp*Ir(Cab(N')-DCC)] (2?b, Cab(N')-DCC = [CyN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10)(NCy)]), and [Cp*Rh(Cab(N')-DIC)] (2?c) is also obtained when an excess of nBuLi is used. The unexpected products [Cp*M(Cab(N,S)-DIC)], [Cp*M(Cab(N,S)-DCC)] (M = Ir 3?a, 3?b; Rh 3?c, 3?d), formed through BH activation, are obtained by reaction of [{Cp*MCl(2)}(2)] with carboranylamidinate sulfides [RN=C(closo-1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10))(NHR)]S(-) (R = iPr, Cy), which can be prepared by inserting sulfur into the C-Li bond of lithium carboranylamidinates. Iridium complex 1?a shows catalytic activities of up to 2.69×10(6) g(PNB) mol(Ir)(-1) h(-1) for the polymerization of norbornene in the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO) as cocatalyst. Catalytic activities and the molecular weight of polynorbornene (PNB) were investigated under various reaction conditions. All complexes were fully characterized by elemental analysis and IR and NMR spectroscopy; the structures of 1?a-c, 2?a, b; and 3?a, b, d were further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis, Photophysical and Electrochemical Characterization of the Heteroleptic Iridium Complexes with Modified Ancillary Ligand by Carrier-transporting Groups

Two heteroleptic iridium complexes with a general formulation of (piq)₂Ir(G‐pic) were synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and element analysis, in which piq is 1‐phenylisoquinoline, G‐pic is picolinic acid derivative containing carrier‐transporting group by a non‐conjugated connection of 1,6‐dioxyhexane. Both (piq)₂Ir(G‐pic) complexes exhibited an enhanced UV absorption band at 310–400 nm, an increased HOMO energy level and an identical red emission peaked at 612 nm with higher fluorescence quantum efficiency (ø_f), compared to (piq)₂Ir(pic) in dichloromethane solution. Interestingly, this iridium complex containing both hole‐transporting triphenylamine and electron‐transporting oxadiazole moieties exhibited the best Ф_f of 0.58 using Ru(bpy)₃(PF6)₂ as the reference (ø_f=0.062 in acetonitrile). This work indicates that incorporating carrier‐transporting groups into ancillary ligand by a non‐conjugated connection is available for improving the optophysical properties of their iridium complexes.     

Oxygen Reduction with a Bifunctional Iridium Dihydride Complex

The iridium dihydride [Ir(H)₂(HPNP)]⁺ (PNP=N(CH₂CH₂PtBu₂)₂) reacts with O₂ to give the unusual, square‐planar iridium(III) hydroxide [Ir(OH)(PNP)]⁺ and water. Regeneration of the dihydride with H₂ closes a quasi‐catalytic synthetic oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) cycle that can be run several times. Experimental and computational examinations are in agreement with an oxygenation mechanism via rate‐limiting O₂ coordination followed by H‐transfer at a single metal site, facilitated by the cooperating pincer ligand. Hence, the four electrons required for the ORR are stored within the two covalent M? H bonds of a mononuclear metal complex.     

Cobalt(II) Complexes with N‐Thioacylamidophosphates and 2,2′‐Bipyridyl and 1,10‐Phenathroline. Crystal Structures,Solution 1H NMR Spectral and Magnetic Properties

Structure and magnetic properties of N‐diisopropoxyphosphorylthiobenzamide PhC(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂ ( HL^I ) and N‐diisopropoxyphosphoryl‐N′‐phenylthiocarbamide PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂ ( HL^II ) complexes with the Co^II cation of formulas [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 1 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 2 ), [Co{PhC(S)‐N(H)‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂] ( 1a ) and [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂}(2,2′‐bipy)] ( 3 ), [Co{PhC(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(1,10‐phen)] ( 4 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(2,2′‐bipy)] ( 5 ), [Co{PhN(H)‐C(S)‐N‐P(O)(OiPr)₂}₂(1,10‐phen)] ( 6 ) were investigated. Paramagnetic shifts in the ¹H NMR spectrum were observed for high‐spin Co^II complexes with HL^I,II , incorporating the S‐C‐N‐P‐O chelate moiety and two aromatic chelate ligands. Investigation of the thermal dependence of the magnetic susceptibility has shown that the extended materials 1‐2 and 6 show ferromagnetic exchange between distorted tetrahedral ( 1 , 2 ) or octahedral ( 1a , 6 ) metal atoms whereas 3 and 5 show antiferromagnetic properties. Compound 4 behaves as a spin‐canted ferromagnet, an antiferromagnetic ordering taking place below a critical temperature, T_c = 115 K. Complexes 1 and 1a were investigated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The cobalt(II) atom in complex 1 resides a distorted tetrahedral O₂S₂ environment formed by the C=S sulfur atoms and the P=O oxygen atoms of two deprotonated ligands. Complex 1a has a tetragonal‐bipyramidal structure, Co(O^ax)₂(O^eq)₂(S^eq)₂, and two neutral ligand molecules are coordinated in the axial positions through the oxygen atoms of the P=O groups. The base of the bipyramid is formed by two anionic ligands in the typical 1,5‐O,S coordination mode. The ligands are in a trans configuration.     

Redox Non‐Innocent Behavior of a Terminal Iridium Hydrazido(2−) Triple Bond

The synthesis of the first terminal Group 9 hydrazido(2‐) complex, Cp*IrN(TMP) ( 6 ) (TMP=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine) is reported. Electronic structure and X‐ray diffraction analysis indicate that this complex contains an Ir?N triple bond, similar to Bergman's seminal Cp*Ir(N^tBu) imido complex. However, in sharp contrast to Bergman's imido, 6 displays remarkable redox non‐innocent reactivity owing to the presence of the N_β lone pair. Treatment of 6 with MeI results in electron transfer from N_β to Ir prior to oxidative addition of MeI to the iridium center. This behavior opens the possibility of carrying out facile oxidative reactions at a formally Ir^III metal center through a hydrazido(2?)/isodiazene valence tautomerization.     

Reversible Double C?H Bond Activation of Linear and Cyclic Ethers To Form Iridium Carbenes

The double C? H bond activation of a series of linear and cyclic ethers by the iridium complex [Tp^tol′Ir(C₆H₅)(N₂)] ( 2? N₂), which features a cyclometalated hydrotris(3‐p‐tolylpyrazol‐1‐yl)borate ligand (Tp^tol′) coordinated in a κ⁴‐N,N′,N′′,C manner, has been studied. Two methyl ethers, namely, Me₂O and MeOtBu, along with diethyl ether and the cyclic ethers tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran (THP), and 1,4‐dioxane have been investigated with formation in every case of the corresponding hydride carbene complexes 3 – 8 , which are stabilized by κ⁴‐coordination of the ancillary Tp^tol′ ligand. Five of the compounds have been structurally authenticated by X‐ray crystallography. A remarkable feature of these rearrangements is the reversibility of the double C? H bond activation of Me₂O, MeOtBu, Et₂O, and THP. This has permitted catalytic deuterium incorporation into the methyl groups of the two methyl ethers, although in a rather inefficient manner (for synthetic purposes). Although possible in all cases, C? C coupling by migratory insertion of the carbene into the Ir? C σ bond of the metalated linkage has only been observed for complex 8 that contains a cyclic carbene that results from α,α‐C? H activation of 1,4‐dioxane. Computational studies on the formation of iridium carbenes are also reported, which show a role for metalated Tp ligands in the double C? H activation and account for the reversibility of the reaction in terms of the relative stability of the reagents and the products of the reaction.     

Neutral and cationic half‐sandwich arene d6 metal complexes containing pyridyl and pyrimidyl thiourea ligands with interesting bonding modes: Synthesis,structural and anti‐cancer studies

The reaction of [(p‐cymene)RuCl₂]₂ and [Cp*MCl₂]₂ (M = Rh/Ir) with benzoyl (2‐pyrimidyl) thiourea (L1) and benzoyl (4‐picolyl) thiourea (L2) led to the formation of cationic complexes bearing formula [(arene) M (L1)к² _(N,S) Cl]⁺ and [(arene) M (L2)к²_(N,S)Cl]⁺ [(arene) = p‐cymene, M = Ru, ( 1 , 4 ); Cp*, M = Rh ( 2 , 5 ) and Ir ( 3 , 6 )]. Precursor compounds reacted with benzoyl (6‐picolyl) thiourea (L3) affording neutral complexes having formula [(arene) M (L3)к¹_(S)Cl₂] [arene = p‐cymene, M = Ru, ( 7 ); Cp*, M = Rh ( 8 ), Ir ( 9 )]. X‐ray studies revealed that the methyl substituent attached to the pyridine ring in ligands L2 and L3 affects its coordination mode. When methyl group is at the para position of the pyridine ring (L2), the ligand coordinated metal in a bidentate chelating N, S‐ mode whereas methyl group at ortho position (L3), it coordinated in a monodentate mode. Further the anti‐cancer studies of the thiourea derivatives and its complexes carried out against HCT‐116, HT‐29 (human colorectal cancer), Mia‐PaCa‐2 (human pancreatic cancer) and ARPE‐19 (non‐cancer retinal epithelium) cell lines showed that the thiourea ligands are inactive but upon complexation, the metal compounds displayed potent and selective activity against cancer cells in vitro. Iridium complexes were found to be more potent as compared to ruthenium and rhodium complexes.     

Construction of tetranuclear macrocycles through C-H activation and structural transformation induced by [2+2] photocycloaddition reaction

A series of binuclear complexes [{Cp*Ir(OOCCH₂COO)}₂(pyrazine)] ( 1 b ), [{Cp*Ir(OOCCH₂COO)}₂(bpy)] ( 2 b ; bpy=4,4′‐bipyridine), [{Cp*Ir(OOCCH₂COO)}₂(bpe)] ( 3 b ; bpe=trans‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene) and tetranuclear metallamacrocycles [{(Cp*Ir)₂(OOC‐C?C‐COO)(pyrazine)}₂] ( 1 c ), [{(Cp*Ir)₂(OOC‐C?C‐COO)(bpy)}₂] ( 2 c ), [{(Cp*Ir)₂(OOC‐C?C‐COO)(bpe)}₂] ( 3 c ), and [{(Cp*Ir)₂[OOC(H₃C₆)‐N?N‐(C₆H₃)COO](pyrazine)}₂] ( 1 d ), [{(Cp*Ir)₂[OOC(H₃C₆)‐N?N‐(C₆H₃)COO](bpy)}₂] ( 2 d ), [{(Cp*Ir)₂[OOC(H₃C₆)‐N?N‐(C₆H₃)COO](bpe)}₂] ( 3 d ) were formed by reactions of 1 a – 3 a {[(Cp*Ir)₂(pyrazine)Cl₂] ( 1 a ), [(Cp*Ir)₂(bpy)Cl₂] ( 2 a ), and [(Cp*Ir)₂(bpe)Cl₂] ( 3 a )} with malonic acid, fumaric acid, or H₂ADB (azobenzene‐4,4′‐chcarboxylic acid), respectively, under mild conditions. The metallamacrocycles were directly self‐assembled by activation of C? H bonds from dicarboxylic acids. Interestingly, after exposure to UV/Vis light, 3 c was converted to [2+2] cycloaddition complex 4 . The molecular structures of 2 b , 1 c , 1 d , and 4 were characterized by single‐crystal x‐ray crystallography. Nanosized tubular channels, which may play important roles for their stability, were also observed in 1 c , 1 d , and 4 . All complexes were well characterized by ¹H NMR and IR spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis.     

Reactivity Studies of Iridium Pyridylidenes [TpMe2Ir(C6H5)2(C(CH)3C(R)NH] (R=H,Me, Ph)

The reactivity of a series of iridium? pyridylidene complexes with the formula [Tp^Me2Ir(C₆H₅)₂(C(CH)₃C(R)N H] ( 1 a – 1 c ) towards a variety of substrates, from small molecules, such as H₂, O₂, carbon oxides, and formaldehyde, to alkenes and alkynes, is described. Most of the observed reactivity is best explained by invoking 16 e^? unsaturated [Tp^Me2Ir(phenyl)(pyridyl)] intermediates, which behave as internal frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs). H₂ is heterolytically split to give hydride? pyridylidene complexes, whilst CO, CO₂, and H₂C?O provide carbonyl, carbonate, and alkoxide species, respectively. Ethylene and propene form five‐membered metallacycles with an IrCH₂CH(R)N (R=H, Me) motif, whereas, in contrast, acetylene affords four‐membered iridacycles with the IrC(?CH₂)N moiety. C₆H₅(C?O)H and C₆H₅C?CH react with formation of Ir? C₆H₅ and Ir? C?CPh bonds and the concomitant elimination of a molecule of pyridine and benzene, respectively. Finally the reactivity of compounds 1 a – 1 c against O₂ is described. Density functional theory calculations that provide theoretical support for these experimental observations are also reported.     

Novel quasi‐scorpionate ligand structures based on a bis‐N‐heterocyclic carbene chelate core: synthesis,complexation and catalysis

A series of novel quasi‐scorpionate CNC donor ligands, MeC(2‐C₅H₄N){CH₂(imidazole‐R)} (R = methyl, n‐butyl, n‐propenyl), in which a chelating bis(NHC) core is supplemented by a hemi‐labile pyridyl donor, were prepared. The coordination chemistry of these ligands was investigated with silver, palladium, rhodium and iridium. The single crystal X‐ray structures of [Rh(NC₂^Me)(COD)]Cl 8a and [Ir(NC₂^Pr)(COD)]Br 9b were determined. The catalytic potential of the rhodium and iridium complexes was assessed in the transfer hydrogenation of ketones; the iridium complexes, which show superior performance, form very effective and stable catalysts. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Half‐sandwich ruthenium,rhodium and iridium complexes featuring oxime ligands: Structural studies and preliminary investigation of in vitro and in vivo anti‐tumour activities

Half‐sandwich ruthenium, rhodium and iridium complexes ( 1 – 12 ) were synthesized with aldoxime ( L1 ), ketoxime ( L2 ) and amidoxime ( L3 ) ligands. Ligands have the general formula [PyC(R)NOH], where R = H ( L1 ), R = CH₃ ( L2 ) and R = NH₂ ( L3 ). Reaction of [{(arene)MCl₂}₂] (arene = p ‐cymene, benzene, Cp*; M = Ru, Rh, Ir) with ligands L1 – L3 in 1:2 metal precursor‐to‐ligand ratio yielded complexes such as [{(arene)MLκ²_(N∩N)Cl}]PF₆. All the ligands act as bidentate chelating nitrogen donors in κ²_(N∩N) fashion while forming complexes. In vitro anti‐tumour activity of complexes 2 and 10 against HT‐29 (human colorectal cancer), BE (human colorectal cancer) and MIA PaCa‐2 (human pancreatic cancer) cell lines and non‐cancer cell line ARPE‐19 (human retinal epithelial cells) revealed a comparable activity although complex 2 demonstrated greater selectivity for MIA PaCa‐2 cells than cisplatin. Further studies demonstrated that complexes 3 , 6 , 9 and 12 induced significant apoptosis in Dalton's ascites lymphoma (DL) cells. In vivo anti‐tumour activity of complex 2 on DL‐bearing mice revealed a statistically significant anti‐tumour activity (P  = 0.0052). Complexes 1 – 12 exhibit HOMO–LUMO energy gaps from 3.31 to 3.68 eV. Time‐dependent density functional theory calculations explain the nature of electronic transitions and were in good agreement with experiments.     

Iridium(III) Anthraquinone Complexes as Two‐Photon Phosphorescence Probes for Mitochondria Imaging and Tracking under Hypoxia

In the present study, four mitochondria‐specific and two‐photon phosphorescence iridium(III) complexes, Ir1 – Ir4 , were developed for mitochondria imaging in hypoxic tumor cells. The iridium(III) complex has two anthraquinone groups that are hypoxia‐sensitive moieties. The phosphorescence of the iridium(III) complex was quenched by the functions of the intramolecular quinone unit, and it was restored through two‐electron bioreduction under hypoxia. When the probes were reduced by reductase to hydroquinone derivative products under hypoxia, a significant enhancement in phosphorescence intensity was observed under one‐ (λ=405 nm) and two‐photon (λ=720 nm) excitation, with a two‐photon absorption cross section of 76–153 GM at λ=720 nm. More importantly, these probes possessed excellent specificity for mitochondria, which allowed imaging and tracking of the mitochondrial morphological changes in a hypoxic environment over a long period of time. Moreover, the probes can visualize hypoxic mitochondria in 3D multicellular spheroids and living zebrafish through two‐photon phosphorescence imaging.     

Transformation of a Cp*–Iridium(III) Precatalyst for Water Oxidation when Exposed to Oxidative Stress

The reaction of [Cp*Ir(bzpy)NO₃] ( 1 ; bzpy=2‐benzoylpyridine, Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl anion), a competent water‐oxidation catalyst, with several oxidants (H₂O₂, NaIO₄, cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN)) was studied to intercept and characterize possible intermediates of the oxidative transformation. NMR spectroscopy and ESI‐MS techniques provided evidence for the formation of many species that all had the intact Ir–bzpy moiety and a gradually more oxidized Cp* ligand. Initially, an oxygen atom is trapped in between two carbon atoms of Cp* and iridium, which gives an oxygen–Ir coordinated epoxide, whereas the remaining three carbon atoms of Cp* are involved in a η³ interaction with iridium ( 2 a ). Formal addition of H₂O to 2 a or H₂O₂ to 1 leads to 2 b , in which a double MeCOH functionalization of Cp* is present with one MeCOH engaged in an interaction with iridium. The structure of 2 b was unambiguously determined in the solid state and in solution by X‐ray single‐crystal diffractometry and advanced NMR spectroscopic techniques, respectively. Further oxidation led to the opening of Cp* and transformation of the diol into a diketone with one carbonyl coordinated at the metal ( 2 c ). A η³ interaction between the three non‐oxygenated carbons of “ex‐Cp*” and iridium is also present in both 2 b and 2 c . Isolated 2 b and mixtures of 2 a – c species were tested in water‐oxidation catalysis by using CAN as sacrificial oxidant. They showed substantially the same activity than 1 (turnover frequency values ranged from 9 to 14 min^?1).     

Understanding Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Efficiency in Blue‐Shifted Iridium(III)‐Complexes: An Experimental and Theoretical Study

Compared to tris(2‐phenylpyridine)iridium(III) ([Ir(ppy)₃]), iridium(III) complexes containing difluorophenylpyridine (df‐ppy) and/or an ancillary triazolylpyridine ligand [3‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐ylpyridinato (ptp) or 1‐benzyl‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐ylpyridine (ptb)] exhibit considerable hypsochromic shifts (ca. 25–60 nm), due to the significant stabilising effect of these ligands on the HOMO energy, whilst having relatively little effect on the LUMO. Despite their lower photoluminescence quantum yields compared with [Ir(ppy)₃] and [Ir(df‐ppy)₃], the iridium(III) complexes containing triazolylpyridine ligands gave greater electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) intensities (using tri‐n‐propylamine (TPA) as a co‐reactant), which can in part be ascribed to the more energetically favourable reactions of the oxidised complex (M⁺) with both TPA and its neutral radical oxidation product. The calculated iridium(III) complex LUMO energies were shown to be a good predictor of the corresponding M⁺ LUMO energies, and both HOMO and LUMO levels are related to ECL efficiency. The theoretical and experimental data together show that the best strategy for the design of efficient new blue‐shifted electrochemiluminophores is to aim to stabilise the HOMO, while only moderately stabilising the LUMO, thereby increasing the energy gap but ensuring favourable thermodynamics and kinetics for the ECL reaction. Of the iridium(III) complexes examined, [Ir(df‐ppy)₂(ptb)]⁺ was most attractive as a blue‐emitter for ECL detection, featuring a large hypsochromic shift (λ_max=454 and 484 nm), superior co‐reactant ECL intensity than the archetypal homoleptic green and blue emitters: [Ir(ppy)₃] and [Ir(df‐ppy)₃] (by over 16‐fold and threefold, respectively), and greater solubility in polar solvents.