Exploration of Bis(Arylimidazole) Iridium Picolinate Complexes

The straightforward synthesis and photophysical properties of a new series of heteroleptic Iridium (III) bis(2-arylimidazole) picolinate complexes is reported. Each complex has been characterized by NMR, UV-Vis, cyclic voltammetry, and the emissive properties of each is described. By systematically modifying first the cyclometallating aryl group on the arylimidazole ligand and then the picolinate ligand, the ramifications of ligand modification in these complexes was better understood through the construction of a structure-property relationship.