Highly efficient sensitized red emission from europium (III) in Ir-Eu bimetallic complexes by 3MLCT energy transfer

Two novel iridium-europium bimetallic complexes, {[(dfppy)2Ir(mu-phen5f)]3EuCl}Cl2 and (dfppy)2Ir(mu-phen5f)Eu(TFAcA)3 [dfppy represents 2-(4',6'-difluorophenyl)-pyridinato-N,C(2'), phen5f stands for 4,4,5,5,5-pentafluoro-1-(1',10'-phenanthrolin-2'-yl)-pentane-1,3-dionate and TFAcA represents trifluoroacetylacetonate], were successfully synthesized. The novel ligand Hphen5f with four coordination sites was designed as a bridge to link the Ir (III) center and the Eu (III) center. The X-ray diffraction data shows that the nonbonding distances for Eu...Ir are 6.028, 5.907, and 6.100 A in the bimetallic complex {[(dfppy)2Ir(mu-phen5f)]3EuCl}Cl2. Photophysical studies implied that the high efficient red luminescence from the Eu (III) ion was sensitized by the (3)MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) energy based on an Ir (III) complex-ligand in a d-f bimetallic assembly. The excitation window for the new bimetallic complex {[(dfppy)2Ir(mu-phen5f)]3EuCl}Cl2 extends up to 530 nm (1 x 10(-3) M in EtOH), indicating that this bimetallic complex can emit red light under the irradiation of sunlight.     

Synthesis, characteristics and photoluminescent properties of novel Ir-Eu heteronuclear complexes containing 2-carboxyl-pyrimidine as a bridging ligand

Two novel iridium(III) complexes, [Ir(dfppy)(2)(pmc)] and [Ir(ppy)(2)(pmc)] (dfppy = 2-(4',6'-difluoro-phenyl)pyridine, ppy = 1-phenyl-pyridine), were designed and synthesized using 2-carboxyl-pyrimidine (Hpmc) as an ancillary ligand. Single crystals were obtained and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The tetrametallic complexes {[(C^N)(2)Ir(μ-pmc)](3)EuCl(3)} (C^N = dfppy, ppy) were synthesized using the iridium(III) complexes as "ligands". Photophysical and theoretical studies indicate that [Ir(dfppy)(2)(pmc)] is more suitable for sensitizing the emission of Eu(III) ions than [Ir(ppy)(2)(pmc)].     

Cationic bis-cyclometallated iridium(III) phenanthroline complexes with pendant fluorenyl substituents: synthesis, redox, photophysical properties and light-emitting cells

We report the synthesis, characterisation, photophysical and electrochemical properties of a series of cationic cyclometallated Ir(III) complexes of general formula [Ir(ppy)(2)(phen)]PF(6) (ppy=2-phenylpyridine, phen=a substituted phenanthroline). A feature of these complexes is that the phen ligands are substituted with one or two 9,9-dihexylfluorenyl substituents to provide extended pi conjugation, for example, the 3-[2-(9,9-dihexylfluorenyl)]phenanthroline and 3,8-bis[2-(9,9-dihexylfluorenyl)]phenanthroline ligands afford complexes 6 and 9, respectively. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of a related complex 18 containing the 3,8-bis(4-iodophenyl)phenanthroline ligand, revealed an octahedral coordination of the Ir atom, in which the metallated C atoms of the ppy ligands occupy cis positions. The complexes 6 and 9 displayed reversible oxidation waves in cyclic voltammetric studies (E(ox)(1/2)=+1.18 and +1.20 V, respectively, versus Ag/Ag(+) in CH(2)Cl(2)) assigned to the metal-centred Ir(III)/Ir(IV) couple. The complexes exhibit strong absorption in the UV region in solution spectra, due to spin-allowed ligand-centred (LC) (1)pi-pi* transitions; moderately intense bands occur at approximately 360-390 nm which are red-shifted with increased ligand length. The photoluminescence spectra of all the complexes were characterised by a broad band at lambda(max) approximately 595 nm assigned to a combination of (3)MLCT and (3)pi-->pi* states. The long emission lifetimes (in the microsecond time-scale) are indicative of phosphorescence: the increased ligand conjugation length in complexes 9 and 17 leads to increased lifetimes for the complexes (tau=2.56 and 2.57 micros in MeCN, respectively) compared to monofluorenyl analogues 6 and 15 (tau=1.43 and 1.39 micros, respectively). DFT calculations of the geometries and electronic structures of complexes 6', 9' (for both singlet ground state (S(0)) and triplet first excited (T(1)) states) and 18 have been performed. In the singlet ground state (S(0)) HOMO orbitals in the complexes are spread between the Ir atom and benzene rings of the phenylpyridine ligand, whereas the LUMO is mainly located on the phenanthroline ligand. Analysis of orbital localisations for the first excited (T(1)) state have been performed and compared with spectroscopic data. Spin-coated light-emitting cells (LECs) have been fabricated with the device structures ITO/PEDOT:PSS/Ir complex/Al, or Ba capped with Al (ITO=indium tin oxide, PEDOT=poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PSS=poly(styrene) sulfonate). A maximum brightness efficiency of 9 cd A(-1) has been attained at a bias of 9 V for 17 with a Ba/Al cathode. The devices operated in air with no reduction in efficiency after storage for one week in air.     

Synthesis and Luminescent Properties of Cationic Ir（Ⅲ） Complexes of 2-Phenylquinoline Derivatives

Two cationic iridium(III) complexes, [(pqcm)2Ir(pybz)](PF6) (Ir1) and [(pqcm)2Ir(apybz)](PF6) (Ir2) (pqcmH=2-phenyl-quinoline-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester, pybz=2-pyridyl-benzimidazole, apybz=1-allyl-2-pyridyl-benzimidazole), were readily synthesized from the reaction of IrIII-μ-chloro-bridged dimer [Ir(pqcm)2(Cl)]2 and corresponding ancillary ligands, and characterized by NMR and mass spectroscopies. The structure of Ir2 was also confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The photophysical properties of the two complexes were also investigated. Ir1 shows deep red emission peaked at around 652 nm with the phosphorescence quantum yield of ca. 0.29 and the emission lifetime of 233 ns, while Ir2 shows red emission peaked at around 615 nm with the phosphorescence quantum yield of ca. 0.13 and the emission lifetime of 430 ns. The active hydrogen on pybz ligand is believed to have a great influence on the photophysical properties of Ir1.     

Phosphorescent sensor for robust quantification of copper(II) ion

A phosphorescent sensor based on a multichromophoric iridium(III) complex was synthesized and characterized. The construct exhibits concomitant changes in its phosphorescence intensity ratio and phosphorescence lifetime in response to copper(II) ion. The sensor, which is reversible and selective, is able to quantify copper(II) ions in aqueous media, and it detects intracellular copper ratiometrically.     

含2，2＇-联嘧啶桥Ir^III-Ln^III（Ln=Nd，Yb，Er）双金属配合物的合成和光物理性质

选择具有（N^N）（N^N）位点的四齿配体2,2’-联嘧啶fbpm）作为桥联配体,利用铱配合物Ir（dfppy）2（bpm）Cl作为配体与稀土配合物Ln（TTA）3·2H2O配位,得到了Ir^III-Ln^III（Ln=Nd,Yb,Er）双金属配合物[Ir（dfppy）2（bpm）Ln（TTA）3]Cl．通过荧光滴定的方法,测定了该铱配合物与稀土离子之间的络合稳定常数．通过对铱配合物及Ir^III-Ln^III（Ln=Nd,Yb,Er）双金属配合物在可见区光谱的测定,可以观察到明显的铱配合物发光的猝灭,说明从铱中心到稀土中心发生了能量传递．同时,利用可见光选择性激发铱配合物可以获得在稀土Nd^III,Yb^III,E^III离子红外区的发光．说明了铱配合物Ir（dfppy）2（bpm）Cl作为配体可以较好地敏化稀土离子的红外发光．     

Lysosome‐targeted Cyclometalated Iridium (III) Anticancer Complexes Bearing Phosphine‐Sulfonate Ligands

The synthesis, characterization and biological activity of four cyclometalated Ir (III) complexes ( Ir1 ‐ Ir4 ) containing different phosphine‐sulfonate ligands are reported. Most of these complexes showed good activity against A549 cancer cell lines and the human HeLa cervical cell lines. Spectroscopic properties study displays that all four complexes show rich fluorescence with emission maxima in the range of 474–510 nm. Fluorescence property of these complexes provides a tool to investigate the microscopic mechanism by confocal microscopy. Notably, the typical Ir (III) complex Ir4 can specially localize to lysosome, damage it and induce cell death via apoptosis. In addition, Ir4 enters into A549 cancer cells dominantly through energy‐dependent pathway.     

D-A type (dfppy)2Ir(pic-TPA) complex containing fluorinated pyridine-2-carboxylate ligand and triphenylamine: synthesis,photophysics and bioactivity

A novel Ir (III) complex (dfppy) ₂ Ir(pic-TPA) containing fluorinated phenylpyridine and pyridine-2-carboxylate ancillary ligand was synthesized according to rational design, its photophysical properties and therapeutical activities examined. Radiosensitization SER values (1.63-1.65) were observed even in radio-resistant cell lines after treatment with this complex. Furthermore, the complexes have shown antiviral activity against HSV-2 DNA virus. Comply with sub-cellular distribution imaging results and molecular docking calculations and cell cytometry analysis, this Ir (III) complex demonstrated functions as promising microviscosiy and micropolarity imaging probe, also as a prodrug for combinatorial therapy of radiochemo and antiviral treatment.     

Synthesis and spectroelectrochemistry of Ir(bpy)(phen)(phi)(3+), a tris(heteroleptic) metallointercalator

A tris(heteroleptic) phenanthrenequinone diimine (phi) complex of Ir(III), Ir(bpy)(phen)(phi)(3+), was synthesized through the stepwise introduction of three different bidentate ligands, and the Lambda- and Delta-enantiomers were resolved and characterized by CD spectroscopy. Like other phi complexes, this tris(heteroleptic) iridium complex binds avidly to DNA by intercalation. Electrochemical studies show that Ir(bpy)(phen)(phi)(3+) undergoes a reversible one-electron reduction at E(0) = -0.025 V in 0.1 M TBAH/DMF (versus Ag/AgCl), and spectroelectrochemical studies indicate that this reduction is centered on the phi ligand. The EPR spectrum of electrochemically generated Ir(bpy)(phen)(phi)(2+) is consistent with a phi-based radical. The electrochemistry of Ir(bpy)(phen)(phi)(3+) was also probed at a DNA-modified electrode, where a DNA binding affinity of K = 1.1 x 10(6) M(-1) was measured. In contrast to Ir(bpy)(phen)(phi)(3+) free in solution, the complex bound to DNA undergoes a concerted two-electron reduction, to form a diradical species. On the basis of UV-visible and EPR spectroscopies, it is found that disproportionation of electrochemically generated Ir(bpy)(phen)(phi)(2+) occurs upon DNA binding. These results underscore the rich redox chemistry associated with metallointercalators bound to DNA.     

Electrochemical and phosphorescent properties of new mixed-ligand Ir(II) complexes coordinated with both terpyridine and various bipyridine derivatives.

Seven useful mixed-ligand complexes in the form of [Ir(terpy)(L)Cl]2+ were prepared and their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties were investigated. The ligands used were terpy = 2,2':6',2'-terpyridine, L = 2,2'-bipyridine, 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, 4,4'-diphenyl-2,2'-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, 5-phenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine. Synthetic methods were developed by a sequential ligand-replacement which occurred in the reaction vessel using a microwave oven. All complexes showed that LUMOs are based on the pi-system contribution of the terpyridine ligand for [Ir(terpy)(bpy)Cl]2+, [Ir(terpy)(dmbpy)Cl]2+, [Ir(terpy)(dpbpy)Cl]2+, [Ir(terpy)(phen)Cl]2+, [Ir(terpy)(dpphen)Cl]2+ and [Ir(terpy)(phphen)Cl]2+. On the other hand, the LUMO in the [Ir(terpy)(bppz)Cl]2+ complex is localized on the pi-system of the bppz ligand, whereas the HOMOs in the iridium complexes are localized on the terpyridine ligand. It was found that Ir(terpy)(L)Cl emits in a fluid solution at room temperature. The ancillary ligands, such as terpy and bpy, have been explored to extend the lifetime of the triplet 3(pi-pi') excited states of Ir(III) terpyridine complexes. Ir(III) terpyridine units with an electron donor (dmbpy) or electron acceptor substituents (terpy, dpbpy, phphen, dpphen and bppz) are found to decrease the energy of the 3LC states for use as photosensitizer molecular components in supramolecular devices. The spectroscopic and electrochemical details are also reported herein.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of Ir<Superscript>III</Superscript>-Ln<Superscript>III</Superscript> (Ln = Nd,Yb, Er) bimetallic complexes containing bipyrimidines as bridging ligands

Bipyrimidines have been chosen as (N∧N)(N∧N) bridging ligands for connecting metal centers. Ir^III-Ln^III (Ln = Nd, Yb, Er) bimetallic complexes [Ir(dfppy)₂(μ-bpm)Ln(TTA)₃]Cl were synthesized by using Ir(dfppy)₂(bpm)Cl as the ligand coordinating to lanthanide complexes Ln(TTA)₃·2H₂O. The stability constants between Ir(dfppy)₂(bpm)Cl and lanthanide ions were measured by fluorescence titration. The obvious quenching of visible emission from Ir^III complex in the Ir^III-Ln^III (Ln = Nd, Yb, Er) bimetallic complexes indicates that energy transfer occurred from Ir^III center to lanthanides. NIR emissions from Nd^III, Yb^III, and Er^III were obtained under the excitation of visible light by selective excitation of the Ir^III-based chromophore. It was proven that Ir(dfppy)₂(bpm)Cl as the ligand could effectively sensitize NIR emission from Nd^III, Yb^III, and Er^III.     

Electrochemical and phosphorescent properties of new Ir(III) complexes coordinated by various bipyridine derivatives.

Four useful polypyridine iridium(III) complexes in the form of [IrCl2L2]+ were prepared and their spectroscopic and electrochemical properties as well as X-ray crystallography were investigated. The ligands used were L = 2,2'-bipyridine, 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, 4,4'-diphenyl-2,2'-bipyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, and 2,2'-biquinoline. Synthetic methods were developed by a sequential ligand-replacement, which occurred in the reaction vessel using a microwave oven. All complexes showed that LUMOs are based on the pi-system contribution of the polypyridine ligand for [IrCl2(bpy)2]+, [IrCl2(dmbpy)2]+, [IrCl2(dpbpy)2]+, [IrCl2(phen)2]+, [IrCl2(dpphen)2]+ and [IrCl2(bqn)2]+. The HOMOs are also localized on the polypyridine ligand in the iridium complexes. It was found that [IrCl2L2]+ emits intense phosphorescence at room temperature. In particular, the use of dpbpy as ancillary ligands extends the lifetime (660 ns) of the 3(pi-pi*) excited states of Ir(III) polypyridine complexes. The complex [IrCl2(bqn)2]+ with electron acceptor substituents shows a large red-shift to 622 nm. It is noticed that iridium polypyridine complexes show intense emissions at various colors, such as yellow for [IrCl2(dmbpy)2]+ and red for [IrCl2(bqn)2]+ which can be applied to photosensitizers. The spectroscopic and electrochemical details are also reported herein.     

Selective complexation and transport of europium ions at the interface of vesicles

The aim of the present work was to design functionalized lipidic membranes that can selectively interact with lanthanide ions at the interface and to exploit the interaction between membranes induced by this molecular-recognition process with a view to building up self-assembled vesicles or controlling the permeability of the membrane to lanthanide ions. Amphiphilic molecules bearing a beta-diketone unit as head group were synthesized and incorporated into phospholipidic vesicles. Binding of Eu(III) ions to the amphiphilic ligand can lead to formation of a complex involving ligands of the same vesicle membrane (intravesicular complex) or of two different vesicles (intervesicular complex). The effect of Eu(III) ions on vesicle behavior was studied by complementary techniques such as fluorimetry, light scattering, and electron microscopy. The formation of an intravesicular luminescent Eu/beta-diketone ligand (1/2) complex was demonstrated. The linear increase in the binding constant with increasing concentration of ligands in the membrane revealed a cooperative effect of the ligands distributed in the vesicle membrane. The luminescence of this complex can be exploited to monitor the kinetics of complexation at the interface of the vesicles, as well as ion transport across the membrane. By encapsulation of 2,6-dipicolinic acid (DPA) as a competing ligand which forms a luminescent Eu/DPA complex, the kinetics of ion transport across the membrane could be followed. These functional vesicles were shown to be an efficient system for the selective transport of Eu(III) ions across a membrane with assistance by beta-diketone ligands.     

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.     

Ratiometric phosphorescence imaging of Hg(II) in living cells based on a neutral iridium(III) complex

In this work, a neutral iridium(III) complex [Ir(bt)(2)(acac)] (Hbt = 2-phenylbenzothiazole; Hacac = acetylacetone) has been realized as a Hg(II)-selective sensor through UV-vis absorption, phosphorescence emission, and electrochemical measurements and was further developed as a phosphorescent agent for monitoring intracellular Hg(II). Upon addition of Hg(II) to a solution of [Ir(bt)(2)(acac)], a noticeable spectral blue shift in both absorption and phosphorescent emission bands was measured. (1)H NMR spectroscopic titration experiments indicated that coordination of Hg(II) to the complex induces fast decomposition of [Ir(bt)(2)(acac)] to form a new complex, which is responsible for the significant variations in optical and electrochemical signals. Importantly, cell imaging experiments have shown that [Ir(bt)(2)(acac)] is membrane permeable and can be used to monitor the changes in Hg(II) levels within cells in a ratiometric phosphorescence mode.     

The development of an iridium(III) complex functionalized G-quadruplex probe for the stability of G-quadruplex and lifetime image in cytoplasm

G-quadruplex (G4) is widely known as a non-classical secondary structure of nucleic acid. With the in-depth study of G4, it is an urgent need for a phosphorescent probe with a high G4 binding ability to evaluate the level of G4 in the cytoplasm. Thus, this study designed and synthesized Ir-PDP where an Ir(III) complex was used as a phosphorescent emitter. Meanwhile, two installed PDPs (pyridostatin derivatives) were used to improve the combination ability with G4 and reduced the cytotoxicity of the Ir(III) complex. Compared with other nucleic acid secondary structures, Ir-PDP produced a higher phosphorescence lifetime after interacting with G4. Ir-PDP was distributed in the cytoplasm of living cells, and two-photon phosphorescence lifetime imaging can detect the binding events of the probe in the cytoplasm. The addition of G4 binder PDS significantly regulated cytoplasmic phosphorescence lifetime. The project explored a new sensing pathway to observe the binding manners of probes in the cytoplasm through the phosphorescence lifetime of probes.     

A highly selective sulfur-free iridium(III)-complex-based phosphorescent chemidosimeter for detection of mercury(II) ions

A neutral phosphorescent coordination compound bearing a benzimidazole ligand, Ir(pbi)(2)(acac) (Hpbi = 1,2-diphenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole; Hacac = acetylacetone), is demonstrated to be the first example of a sulfur-free iridium complex for the detection of Hg(2+) cations with high selectivity and sensitivity. Ir(pbi)(2)(acac) shows a multisignaling response towards mercury(II) ions through UV-vis absorption, phosphorescence and electrochemistry measurements. Upon addition of Hg(2+) ions, solutions of this complex change from yellow to colorless, which could be observed easily by the naked eye, while its phosphorescence turns from bright green (λ(PLmax) = 520 nm) into faint skyblue (λ(PLmax) = 476 nm), and the detection limit is calculated to be 2.4 × 10(-7) mol L(-1). (1)H NMR spectroscopic titration as well as ESI-MS results indicate that the decomposition of Ir(pbi)(2)(acac) in the presence of Hg(2+) through rupture of Ir-O bonds is responsible for the significant variations in both optical and electrochemical signals.     

Synthesis of Lanthanide Coordination Polymers with Benzophenone-4,4-dicarboxylate: Effect of Lanthanide Contraction on Structures

Introduction Recently, the coordination polymers based on dicar-boxylic acid have been studied extensively for their importance as promising materials.1-7 So the rational design and synthesis of novel coordination polymers with useful functions attract considerable attention. As well known, the design of extended structure with po-tential applications can be realized by starting with connecting ligands capable of binding metal centers strongly and predictably to afford the structures with expe…     

Modulating affinities of di-2-picolylamine (DPA)-substituted quinoline sensors for zinc ions by varying pendant ligands

We have developed a series of di-2-picolylamine (DPA)-substituted quinoline sensors, HQ1- 4, bearing a pendant ligand at the 8 position of quinoline. UV-vis spectra of HQ1- 4 showed similar variations to that of HQ5 but with different varying extents upon the titration of zinc ions. Fluorescence intensities of HQ1, HQ3, and HQ4 were enhanced 4-6 times upon the addition of 1 equiv of zinc ions under an aqueous buffer. Somewhat unexpectedly, HQ2 is nonfluorescent in the presence of metal ions, including zinc ions. The affinities of HQ sensors are distributed in a broad range from nanomolarity to femtomolarity by varying the pendant ligands near the coordination unit. More importantly, these new sensors exhibited very high selectivity for Zn(2+) over Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), and Ca(2+) at the millimolar level and over other transition metal ions at the micromolar level, except for Cd(2+). These findings indicated that the incorporations of the pendant groups exerted no effect on the spectroscopic properties and selectivity of the parent fluorescent sensor, with the exception of HQ2. Finally, X-ray crystal structures of ZnHQ's revealed that the auxiliary pendant groups at the 8 position participated in zinc coordination and were able to tune the affinities of HQ sensors.     

Theoretical studies of blue-emitting iridium complexes with different ancillary ligands

The structural and electronic properties of two heteroleptic iridium complexes Ir(dfppy)2(pic) (FIrpic) and Ir(dfppy)2(acac) (FIracac) have been investigated theoretically, where dfppy = 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl) pyridine, pic = picolinic acid, and acac = acetoylacetonate. The geometries of ground and excited states are optimized at PBE0/LANL2DZ and CIS/LANL2DZ levels, respectively. Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method is employed to explore the absorption and emission properties. In the ground state, the highest-occupied molecular orbital has a significant mixture of metal Ir(d) and dfppy(pi), the lowest-unoccupied orbital locates primarily on pi* of pic for FIrpic and pi* of dfppy for FIracac. The luminescence of each complex originates from the lowest triplet excited state, which is assigned to the mixing of metal-to-ligand charge transfer and intraligand charge transfer characters. The effects of ancillary ligands pic and acac on absorption and emission spectra are observed by analysis of TDDFT results. The connection between the nature of excited states and the behavior of the complexes with different ancillary ligands is elucidated.