Improved Photostability of a CuI Complex by Macrocyclization of the Phenanthroline Ligands |
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| Authors: | Thomas Brandl Dr Christoph Kerzig Dr Loïc Le Pleux Dr Alessandro Prescimone Prof Oliver S Wenger Prof Marcel Mayor |
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| Institution: | Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, St. Johanns-Ring 19, 4056 Basel, Switzerland |
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| Abstract: | The development of molecular materials for conversion of solar energy into electricity and fuels is one of the most active research areas, in which the light absorber plays a key role. While copper(I)-bis(diimine) complexes CuI(L)2]+ are considered as potent substitutes for RuII(bpy)3]2+, they exhibit limited structural integrity as ligand loss by substitution can occur. In this article, we present a new concept to stabilize copper bis(phenanthroline) complexes by macrocyclization of the ligands which are preorganized around the CuI ion. Using oxidative Hay acetylene homocoupling conditions, several CuI complexes with varying bridge length were prepared and analyzed. Absorption and emission properties are assessed; rewardingly, the envisioned approach was successful since the flexible 1,4-butadiyl-bridged complex does show enhanced MLCT absorption and emission, as well as improved photostability upon irradiation with a blue LED compared to a reference complex. |
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| Keywords: | copper complexes ligand design macrocycles photochemistry photostability |
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