[Ir(N^N^N)(C^N)L]+: a new family of luminophores combining tunability and enhanced photostability

Water-soluble dinuclear iridium(III) and ruthenium(II) bis-terdentate complexes: photophysics and electrochemiluminescence

The synthesis, photophysics, and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of four water-soluble dinuclear Ir(III) and Ru(II) complexes (1-4) terminally-capped by 4'-phenyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (tpy) or 1,3-di(pyrid-2-yl)-4,6-dimethylbenzene (N^C^N) ligands and linked by a 2,7-bis(2,2':6',2''-terpyridyl)fluorene with oligoether chains on C9 are reported. The impact of the tpy or N^C^N ligands and metal centers on the photophysical properties of 1-4 was assessed by spectroscopic methods including UV-vis absorption, emission, and transient absorption, and by time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. These complexes exhibited distinct singlet and triplet excited-state properties upon variation of the terminal-capping terdentate ligands and the metal centers. The ECL properties of complexes 1-3 with better water solubility were investigated in neutral phosphate buffer solutions (PBS) by adding tripropylamine (TPA) as a co-reactant, and the observed ECL intensity followed the descending order of 3 > 1 > 2. Complex 3 bearing the [Ru(tpy)₂]²⁺ units displayed more pronounced ECL signals, giving its analogues great potential for further ECL study.

Triplet Excited States Modulated by Push-Pull Substituents in Monocyclometalated Iridium(III) Photosensitizers

A series of novel monocyclometalated [Ir(tpy)(btp)Cl]⁺ complexes (Ir2-Ir5) were synthesized using 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (tpy) and 2-(2-pyridyl)benzo[b]thiophene (btp) ligands, as well as their derivatives bearing electron-donating tert-butyl (t-Bu) and electron-withdrawing trifluoromethyl (CF₃) groups. Ir2-Ir5 exhibited visible-light absorption stronger than that of the known complex [Ir(tpy)(ppy)Cl]⁺ (Ir1; ppy = 2-phenylpyridine). Spectroscopic and computational studies revealed that two triplet states were involved in the excited-state dynamics. One is a weakly emissive and short-lived ligand to ligand charge-transfer (LLCT) state originating from the charge transfer from the btp to the tpy ligand. The other is a highly emissive and long-lived ligand-centered (LC) state localized on the btp ligand. Interestingly, the excited state dominant with ³LLCT was completely changed to the ³LC state upon the introduction of substituents on both the tpy and btp ligands. For instance, the excited state of the parent complex Ir2 was weakly emissive (Φ = 2%) and short-lived (τ = 110 ns) in CH₂Cl₂; conversely, Ir5, fully furnished with t-Bu and CF₃ groups, displayed intense phosphorescence with a prolonged lifetime (τ = 14 μs). This difference became increasingly prominent when the solvent was changed to aqueous CH₃CN, most probably due to the ³LLCT stabilization. The predominant excited-state nature was switchable between the ³LLCT and ³LC states depending on the substituents employed; this was demonstrated through investigations of Ir3 and Ir4, bearing either the t-Bu or the CF₃ group, where the complexes exhibited properties intermediate between those of Ir2 and Ir5. All of the Ir(III) complexes were tested as photosensitizers in photocatalytic H₂ evolution over a Co molecular catalyst, and Ir5 outperformed the others, including Ir1, due to improvement in the following key properties: visible-light-absorption ability, excited-state lifetime, and reductive power of the one-electron-reduced species against the catalyst.

Bis-cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes with terpyridine analogues: syntheses, structures, spectroscopy and computational studies

Two ligands based upon a 2,6-disubstituted pyridine bridge introduce bis-quinoxalinyl units in a fashion that yields analogues to the archetypal terdentate ligand, 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine. The ligands were synthesised from the key intermediate 2,6-bis(bromoacetyl)pyridine: a new, high-yielding route is described for this reagent. Two ligand variants (differentiated by H/Me substituents on the quinoxaline ring) were explored as coordinating moieties for iridium(iii) in the development of luminescent complexes. Computational studies (DFT approaches employing B3LYP, B3LYP/LANL2DZ, and M062X/LANL2DZ levels) were used to investigate the geometric and coordination mode preferences of the new ligands and two possibilities arose from theoretical investigations: [Ir(N^N^N)₂]³⁺ and [Ir(N^N^C)₂]⁺, with the former predicted to be more energetically favourable. Upon synthesis and isolation of the Ir(iii) complexes, X-ray crystallographic studies revealed coordination spheres that were cyclometalated, the structures both showing a [Ir(N^N^C)₂]PF₆ arrangement. Further spectroscopic characterization via NMR confirmed the ligand arrangements in the complexes, and photophysical studies, supported by DFT, showed that a mixture of metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) and intra-ligand charge transfer (ILCT) character is likely to contribute to the emission features of the complexes, which phosphoresce orange-red (λ_em = 580–618 nm). The emission wavelength was influenced by the substituents on the quinoxaline ring (H vs. Me), thereby implying further tuneability is possible with future ligand iterations.

Bis-terdentate Ir(iii) complexes incorporate two cyclometalated N^N^C bis-quinoxalinyl type ligands derived from the condensation of 2,6-bis(bromoacetyl)pyridine and different o-phenylenediamines.

Full Visible Spectrum and White Light Emission with a Single, Input-Tunable Organic Fluorophore

The blue emission of M2biQ can be tuned to specific wavelengths throughout the visible region by changing the identity of the cation it interacts with. These optical properties are observed in MeCN solution and the solid state. White light is obtained in MeCN by using either the proper ratio of zinc ions or acid. Thus, M2biQ acts as a nearly universal emitter (λem = 468-690 nm) with large Stokes shifts (116-306 nm, Δν̃ = 7,042-11,823 cm-1). Full spectral profiles as well as quantum yields, lifetimes, and the crystal structures of key RGB and yellow emitters are reported. Emission wavelengths correlate with cationic radius, and TD-DFT calculations show that, for 1:1 complexes, the smaller the ion, the shorter the N-cation bond, and the greater the bathochromic emission shift.

Synthesis, Photophysics, and Reverse Saturable Absorption of trans-Bis-cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes (C^N^C)Ir(R-tpy)+ (tpy = 2,2':6',2″-Terpyridine) with Broadband Excited-State Absorption

Extending the bandwidth of triplet excited-state absorption in transition-metal complexes is appealing for developing broadband reverse saturable absorbers. Targeting this goal, five bis-terdentate iridium(III) complexes (Ir1-Ir5) bearing trans-bis-cyclometalating (C^N^C) and 4'-R-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (4'-R-tpy) ligands were synthesized. The effects of the structural variation in cyclometalating ligands and substituents at the tpy ligand on the photophysics of these complexes have been systematically explored using spectroscopic methods (i.e., UV-vis absorption, emission, and transient absorption spectroscopy) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. All complexes exhibited intensely structured ¹π,π* absorption bands at <400 nm and broad charge transfer (¹CT)/¹π,π* transitions at 400-600 nm. Ligand structural variations exerted a very small effect on the energies of the ¹CT/¹π,π* transitions; however, they had a significant effect on the molar extinction coefficients of these absorption bands. All complexes emitted featureless deep red phosphorescence in solutions at room temperature and gave broad-band and strong triplet excited-state absorption ranging from the visible to the near-infrared (NIR) spectral regions, with both originating from the ³π,π*/³CT states. Although alteration of the ligand structures influenced the emission energies slightly, these changes significantly affected the emission lifetimes and quantum yields, transient absorption spectral features, and the triplet excited-state quantum yields of the complexes. Except for Ir3, the other four complexes all manifested reverse saturable absorption (RSA) upon nanosecond laser pulse excitation at 532 nm, with the decreasing trend of RSA following Ir2 ≈ Ir4 > Ir1 > Ir5 > Ir3. The RSA trend corresponded well with the strength of the excited-state and ground-state absorption differences (ΔOD) at 532 nm for these complexes.

The effect of N-heterocyclic carbene units on the absorption spectra of Fe(ii) complexes: a challenge for theory

The absorption spectra of five Fe(ii) homoleptic and heteroleptic complexes containing strong sigma-donating N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and polypyridyl ligands have been theoretically characterized using a tuned range-separation functional.

Exploration of the Structural and Photophysical Characteristics of Mono- and Binuclear Ir(III) Cyclometalated Complexes for Optoelectronic Applications

Intrinsic characteristics possessed and exhibited by Ir(III) cyclometalated complexes need to be further examined, understood, and explored for greater value enhancement and potentiation. This work focuses primarily on the comparative studies of the ligand structures, types, and their substituent influence on the photophysical and optoelectronic properties of typical cyclometalated mono- and binuclear iridium(III) complexes in solution or solid states.

A New Class of Homoleptic and Heteroleptic Bis(terpyridine) Iridium(III) Complexes with Strong Photodynamic Therapy Effects

Six homo- or heteroleptic tricationic Ir(R1-tpy)(R2-tpy)3+ complexes (Ir1-Ir6, R1/R2 = Ph, 4'-N(CH3)2Ph, pyren-1-yl, or 4'-{2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}Ph, tpy = 2,2';6',2"-terpyridine) were synthesized and tested for photodynamic therapy (PDT) effects. The ground- and excited-state characteristics of these complexes were studied systematically via spectroscopic methods and quantum chemistry calculations. All complexes possessed intraligand charge transfer (1ILCT) / metal-to-ligand charge transfer (1MLCT) dominated transition(s) in their low-energy absorption bands, which red-shifted with the increased electron-releasing strength of the R1/R2 substituent. Five of the complexes exhibited ligand-centered 3 π,π*/3ILCT/3MLCT emission. With a stronger electron-releasing R1/R2 substituent, the degree of charge transfer contribution increased, leading to a decrease of the emission quantum yield. When the 4'-N(CH3)2Ph substituent was introduced on both tpy ligands, the emission of Ir3 was completely quenched. Our study on the transient absorption of these complexes demonstrated that they all possessed broadband triplet excited-state absorption in the 400-800 nm region. Pyrenyl substitution of one or more tpy ligands, as in Ir4 and Ir5, increased the lifetimes of the lowest triplet excited state and the singlet oxygen (1O2) production efficiencies. Ir1-Ir5 were nontoxic toward SK-MEL-28 cells, with photocytotoxicities that varied from 0.18 to 153 µM. Among them, Ir4 had the highest 1O2 quantum yield (0.81) in cell-free conditions, showing the largest photocytotoxicity against SK-MEL-28 cells for Ir(III) PSs to date, and was the most efficient generator of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro. Ir4 possessed a very large phototherapeutic index (PI = dark EC50 / light EC50) of >1657, the largest reported for an Ir(III) complex photosensitizer upon broadband visible light (400-700 nm) activation. Ir4 also exhibited a very strong PDT effect toward MCF-7 breast cancer cells and its xenograft tumor model. Upon 450-nm light activation, Ir4 dramatically inhibited the xenograft tumor growth and exhibited negligible side effects upon PDT treatment.

Endoplasmic reticulum targeted cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes as efficient photodynamic therapy photosensitizers

A series of ER-targeted cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes with a gradually extended conjugated area in the main ligand were effective PDT photosensitizers and triggered ER-stress induced apoptosis in cancer cell lines.

Hydricity, electrochemistry, and excited-state chemistry of Ir complexes for CO2 reduction

We prepared electron-rich derivatives of [Ir(tpy)(ppy)Cl]⁺ with modification of the bidentate (ppy) or tridentate (tpy) ligands in an attempt to increase the reactivity for CO₂ reduction and the ability to transfer hydrides (hydricity). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that complexes with dimethyl-substituted ppy have similar hydricities to the non-substituted parent complex, and photocatalytic CO₂ reduction studies show selective CO formation. Substitution of tpy by bis(benzimidazole)-phenyl or -pyridine (L3 and L4, respectively) induces changes in the physical properties that are much more pronounced than from the addition of methyl groups to ppy. Theoretical data predict [Ir(L3)(ppy)(H)] as the strongest hydride donor among complexes studied in this work, but [Ir(L3)(ppy)(NCCH₃)]⁺ cannot be reduced photochemically because the excited state reduction potential is only 0.52 V due to the negative ground state potential of -1.91 V. The excited state of [Ir(L4)(ppy)(NCCH₃)]²⁺ is the strongest oxidant among complexes studied in this work and the singly-reduced species is formed readily upon photolysis in the presence of tertiary amines. Both [Ir(L3)(ppy)(NCCH₃)]⁺ and [Ir(L4)(ppy)(NCCH₃)]²⁺ exhibit electrocatalytic current for CO₂ reduction. While a significantly greater overpotential is needed for the L3 complex, a small amount of formate (5-10%) generation in addition to CO was observed as predicted by the DFT calculations.

Photophysical and Photobiological Properties of Dinuclear Iridium(III) Bis-tridentate Complexes

A series of cationic dinuclear iridium(III) complexes (Ir1-Ir5) bearing terpyridine-capped fluorenyl bridging ligands and different polypyridyl or cyclometalating terminal tridentate ligands were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their photophysical and photobiological activities. The influence of the bridging and terminal ligands on the photophysical properties of the complexes was investigated by UV-vis absorption, emission, and transient absorption spectroscopy and simulated by TDDFT calculations. All of the complexes displayed strong bridging-ligand localized visible 1π,π* absorption and red- or near-infrared phosphorescence as well as broad triplet excited-state absorption across both visible and NIR wavelengths. These triplet states were assigned as predominantly 3π,π* for Ir1 (τ = 3.1 μs) and Ir4 (τ = 48 μs) and 3CT (charge transfer) for Ir2, Ir3, and Ir5 (τ = 1.7-2.7 μs). Complexes Ir1-Ir5 acted as in vitro photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents toward human SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells when activated with visible light, with submicromolar photocytotoxicity and phototherapeutic indices ranging from 20 to almost 300. The in vitro PDT effects with visible light did not correlate with singlet oxygen (1O2) quantum yields or DNA photocleaving capacity probed under cell-free conditions. All of the Ir(III) complexes phosphoresced brightly when associated with compromised cells (with or without light treatment) and exhibited photoactivated cellular uptake, highlighting the theranostic potential of this new class of Ir(III) complex photosensitizers.

Coordination mode-induced isomeric cyclometalated [Ir(tpy)(nbi)Cl](PF6) complexes: distinct luminescence, self-assembly and cellular imaging behaviors

Two isomeric Ir(iii) complexes Ir-O and Ir-R arising from the different coordination mode of a naphthalene-containing ligand, show distinct luminescence, self-assembly ability and cellular imaging behaviors.

Judicious Design of Cationic, Cyclometalated Ir(III) Complexes for Photochemical Energy Conversion and Optoelectronics

The exponential growth in published studies on phosphorescent metal complexes has been triggered by their utilization in optoelectronics, solar energy conversion, and biological labeling applications. Very recent breakthroughs in organic photoredox transformations have further increased the research efforts dedicated to discerning the inner workings and structure-property relationships of these chromophores. Initially, the principal focus was on the Ru(II)-tris-diimine complex family. However, the limited photostability and lack of luminescence tunability discovered in these complexes prompted a broadening of the research to include 5d transition metal ions. The resulting increase in ligand field splitting prevents the population of antibonding e_g* orbitals and widens the energy range available for color tuning. Particular attention was given to Ir(III), and its cyclometalated, cationic complexes have now replaced Ru(II) in the vast majority of applications. At the start, this Account documents the initial efforts dedicated to the color tuning of these complexes for their application in light emitting electrochemical cells, an easy to fabricate single-layer organic light emitting device (OLED). Systematic modifications of the ligand sphere of [Ir(ppy)₂bpy]⁺ (ppy: 2-phenylpyridine, bpy: 2,2'-bipyridine) with electron withdrawing and donating substituents allowed access to complexes with luminescence emission maxima throughout the visible spectrum exhibiting room temperature excited state lifetimes ranging from nanoseconds to dozens of microseconds and quantum yields up to 15 times that of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺. The diverse photophysical properties were also beneficial when using these Ir(III) complexes for driving solar fuel-producing reactions. For instance, photocatalytic water-reduction systems were explored to gain access to efficient water splitting systems. For this purpose, a variety of water reduction catalysts were paired with libraries of Ir(III) photosensitizers in high-throughput photoreactors. This parallelized approach allowed exploration of the interplay between the diverse photophysical properties of the Ir compounds and the electron-accepting catalysts. Further work enhanced and simplified the critical electron transfer processes between these two species through the use of bridging functional groups installed on the photosensitizer. Later, a novel approach summarized in this Account explores the possibility of using Zn metal as a solar fuel. Structure-activity relationships of the light-driven reduction of Zn²⁺ to Zn metal are described. DFT calculations along with cyclic voltammetry were utilized to gain clear insights into the complexes' electronic structures responsible for the effective photochemical properties observed in these dyes. While [Ir(ppy)₂bpy]⁺ and its derivatives were found to be much more photostable than the Ru(II)-tris-diimine complex family, mass spectrometry indicated that the bpy ligand still photodissociated under extensive illumination. An interesting new approach involved the substitution of the bidentate 2,2'-bipyridine with a stronger chelating terpyridine ligand. This approach leaves room for one 2-phenylpyridine ligand and a third, anionic ligand, either Cl^- or CN^-. This Account reviews the effect of structural modifications on the photophysical properties of these [Ir(tpy)(ppy)X]⁺ complexes and corroborates the findings with the results obtained through DFT modeling. These complexes found application in photocatalytic CO₂ reductions as well as a solvent tolerant light-absorber for the photogeneration of hydrogen. It was also documented that the robustness of these dyes in photoredox processes supersedes those of the commercially available [Ir(ppy)₂(dtbbpy)]PF₆ and [Ir(dF(CF₃)ppy)₂(dtbbpy)]PF₆ complexes pioneered in the Bernhard laboratory.

Tracking mitochondrial dynamics during apoptosis with phosphorescent fluorinated iridium(iii) complexes

A series of phosphorescent fluorinated Ir(iii) complexes, which exhibit low cytotoxicity, excellent photostability and specificity of mitochondria-targeting, were used for tracking mitochondrial dynamics during apoptosis.

Cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes [Ir(tpy)(bbibH2)Cl][PF6] and [Ir(tpy)(bmbib)Cl][PF6]: intramolecular π⋯π interactions leading to facile synthesis and enhanced luminescence

Complexes [Ir(tpy)(bbibH₂)Cl][PF₆] (1·PF6) and [Ir(tpy)(bmbib)Cl][PF₆] (2·PF6) show facile synthesis and enhanced luminescence due to intramolecular π⋯π interactions.

An Unprecedented Family of Luminescent Iridium(III) Complexes Bearing a Six-Membered Chelated Tridentate C^N^C Ligand

A new family consisting of three luminescent neutral Ir(III) complexes with the unprecedented [Ir(C^N^C)(N^N)Cl] architecture, where C^N^C is a bis(six-membered) chelating tridentate tripod ligand derived from 2-benzhydrylpyridine (bnpy) and N^N is 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (dtBubpy), is reported. X-ray crystallography reveals an unexpected and unusual double C-H bond activation of the two distal nonconjugated phenyl rings of the bnpy coupled with a very short Ir-Cl bond trans to the pyridine of the bnpy ligand. Depending on the substitution on the bnpy ligand, phosphorescence, ranging from yellow to red, is observed in dichloromethane solution. A combined study using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) corroborates the mixed charge-transfer nature of the related excited states.

Rigidly linking cyclometallated Ir(iii) and Pt(ii) centres: an efficient approach to strongly absorbing and highly phosphorescent red emitters

Appending a cyclometallated platinum unit onto each of the three ligands of the archetypal fac-Ir(ppy)₃ complex leads to a highly efficient red emitter with a short luminescence decay time.

When two are better than one: bright phosphorescence from non-stereogenic dinuclear iridium(III) complexes

A new family of eight dinuclear iridium(iii) complexes has been prepared, featuring 4,6-diarylpyrimidines L(y) as bis-N^C-coordinating bridging ligands. The metal ions are also coordinated by a terminal N^C^N-cyclometallating ligand L(X) based on 1,3-di(2-pyridyl)benzene, and by a monodentate chloride or cyanide. The general formula of the compounds is {IrL(X)Z}2L(y) (Z = Cl or CN). The family comprises examples with three different L(X) ligands and five different diarylpyrimidines L(y), of which four are diphenylpyrimidines and one is a dithienylpyrimidine. The requisite proligands have been synthesised via standard cross-coupling methodology. The synthesis of the complexes involves a two-step procedure, in which L(X)H is reacted with IrCl3·3H2O to form dinuclear complexes of the form [IrL(X)Cl(μ-Cl)]2, followed by treatment with the diarylpyrimidine L(y)H2. Crucially, each complex is formed as a single compound only: the strong trans influence of the metallated rings dictates the relative disposition of the ligands, whilst the use of symmetrically substituted tridentate ligands eliminates the possibility of Λ and Δ enantiomers that are obtained when bis-bidentate units are linked through bridging ligands. The crystal structure of one member of the family has been obtained using a synchrotron X-ray source. All of the complexes are very brightly luminescent, with emission maxima in solution varying over the range 517-572 nm, according to the identity of the ligands. The highest-energy emitter is the cyanide derivative whilst the lowest is the complex with the dithienylpyrimidine. The trends in both the absorption and emission energies as a function of ligand substituent have been rationalised accurately with the aid of TD-DFT calculations. The lowest-excited singlet and triplet levels correlate with the trend in the HOMO-LUMO gap. All the complexes have quantum yields that are close to unity and phosphorescence lifetimes - of the order of 500 ns - that are unusually short for complexes of such brightness. These impressive properties stem from an unusually high rate of radiative decay, possibly due to spin-orbit coupling pathways being facilitated by the second metal ion, and to low non-radiative decay rates that may be related to the rigidity of the dinuclear scaffold.

Highly Fluorinated Ir(III)-2,2':6',2″-Terpyridine-Phenylpyridine-X Complexes via Selective C-F Activation: Robust Photocatalysts for Solar Fuel Generation and Photoredox Catalysis

A series of fluorinated Ir(III)-terpyridine-phenylpyridine-X (X = anionic monodentate ligand) complexes were synthesized by selective C-F activation, whereby perfluorinated phenylpyridines were readily complexed. The combination of fluorinated phenylpyridine ligands with an electron-rich tri-tert-butyl terpyridine ligand generates a "push-pull" force on the electrons upon excitation, imparting significant enhancements to the stability, electrochemical, and photophysical properties of the complexes. Application of the complexes as photosensitizers for photocatalytic generation of hydrogen from water and as redox photocatalysts for decarboxylative fluorination of several carboxylic acids showcases the performance of the complexes in highly coordinating solvents, in some cases exceeding that of the leading photosensitizers. Changes in the photophysical properties and the nature of the excited states are observed as the compounds increase in fluorination as well as upon exchange of the ancillary chloride ligand to a cyanide. These changes in the excited states have been corroborated using density functional theory modeling.

General Scheme for Oxidative Quenching of a Copper Bis-Phenanthroline Photosensitizer for Light-Driven Hydrogen Production

A new, general reaction scheme for photocatalytic hydrogen production is presented based on oxidative quenching of a homoleptic copper(I) bis-1,10-phenanthroline photosensitizer (PS) by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium (MPP(+) ) as the electron relay and subsequent regeneration of the so formed copper(II) complex by a sacrificial electron donor. Electron transfer from the relay to various cobalt based water reduction catalysts and subsequent H2 production was shown to close the catalytic cycle. Transient absorption experiments unambiguously confirmed the proposed pathway, both the oxidative quenching and subsequent regeneration of oxidized PS. Photocatalytic test runs further confirmed the role of MPP(+) and up to 10 turnovers were achieved in the relay. The performance limiting factor of the system was shown to be the decomplexation of the copper PS. Quantum yields of the system were 0.03 for H2 production, but 0.6 for MPP(.) formation, clearly indicating that unproductive pathways still prevail.

Mitochondrial Dynamics Tracking with Two-Photon Phosphorescent Terpyridyl Iridium(III) Complexes

Mitochondrial dynamics, including fission and fusion, control the morphology and function of mitochondria, and disruption of mitochondrial dynamics leads to Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, metabolic diseases, and cancers. Currently, many types of commercial mitochondria probes are available, but high excitation energy and low photo-stability render them unsuitable for tracking mitochondrial dynamics in living cells. Therefore, mitochondrial targeting agents that exhibit superior anti-photo-bleaching ability, deep tissue penetration and intrinsically high three-dimensional resolutions are urgently needed. Two-photon-excited compounds that use low-energy near-infrared excitation lasers have emerged as non-invasive tools for cell imaging. In this work, terpyridyl cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes (Ir1-Ir3) are demonstrated as one- and two-photon phosphorescent probes for real-time imaging and tracking of mitochondrial morphology changes in living cells.

A hybrid terpyridine-based bis(diphenylphosphino)amine ligand, terpy-C6H4N(PPh2)2: synthesis, coordination chemistry and photoluminescence studies

This paper describes the synthesis, metal complexes and photophysical studies of a novel hybrid ligand containing terpyridine and aminobis(phosphine) moieties.

Labile ruthenium(ii) complexes with extended phenyl-substituted terpyridyl ligands: synthesis, aquation and anticancer evaluation

The present study demonstrated that the anticancer activities of labile Ru(ii) complexes can be efficiently tuned by chelating with different phenyl-substituted terpyridyl ligands.

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from a cobalt/nickel complex with dithiolene ligands under irradiation with visible light

Novel cobalt/nickel dithiolene complexes displayed efficient hydrogen evolution in a noble-metal-free photocatalytic system under visible light.

Deliberate boxes and accidental wheels

Box structures containing four ligands and four metal ions (two of each of two kinds) and labile ligands that point into the box cavity have been prepared – as well as decanickel wheels.

Ir(iii) complexes designed for light-emitting devices: beyond the luminescence color array

This Perspective highlights the photophysics and recent breakthroughs in the study of emissive Ir(iii) compounds, including a personal account elucidating the role of molecular and electronic structures in controlling the photophysics of heteroleptic [Ir(N^C)₂(L^X)]⁺ complexes.

Unusual product distribution from Friedländer reaction of di- and triacetylbenzenes with 3-aminonaphthalene-3-carbaldehyde and properties of new benzo[g]quinoline-derived aza-aromatics

The Friedländer reactions of acetylbenzenes and 2-acetylpyridine with 3-aminonaphthalene-2-carbaldehyde afforded the corresponding 2-phenylbenzo[g]quinoline and 2-(pyrid-2-yl)benzo[g]quinoline, respectively. The same reactions of 3-aminonaphthalene-2-carbaldehyde with 1,2-, 1,3-, 1,4-di- and 1,3,5-triacetylbenzenes, however, afforded a series of corresponding (benzo[g]quinolin-2-yl)benzenes as new N,C-bidentate and unexpected benzo[g]quinoline. Crystallinity, thermal properties, absorption and emission spectral properties of the products were studied.

Ditopic bis-terdentate cyclometallating ligands and their highly luminescent dinuclear iridium(iii) complexes

Luminescent dinuclear Ir(iii) complexes of a bis-N^∧C^∧N-coordinating ligand are reported with two metal ions bound to a central pyrimidine. A pair of enantiomers and a meso form have been structurally characterised.