Phosphorescent Iridium(III) Complex with an N∧O Ligand as a Hg2+-Selective Chemodosimeter and Logic Gate

Synthesis and Performance of Deep-Red Phosphorescent Iridium Complexes with Pyrone as an Auxiliary Ligand

Two bis-cyclometalated heteroleptic iridium complexes incorporating 1-phenylisoquinoline (piq) as the main cyclometalating ligand and 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone (ma) or 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one (ema) as the auxiliary ligand, namely Ir(piq)2(ma) (Ir-1) and Ir(piq)2(ema) (Ir-2), were developed and applied as deep-red phosphors in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The two auxiliary ligands had similar influences on the photophysical, electrochemical, and electroluminescent properties of the iridium complexes. Ir(piq)2(ma) (Ir-1) showed better luminescence performance in a simple phosphorescent OLED compared to the traditional red iridium complex Ir(piq)2(acac) and exhibited a current efficiency of 9.39 cd A-1 (EQE of 12.09%). In contrast, Ir(piq)2(ema) exhibited an efficiency of 8.6 cd A-1 (EQE of 10.19%).

A Series of POM-Viologen Photo-/Electrochromic Hybrids and Hydrogels Acting as Multifunctional Sensors for Detecting UV, Hg2+, and Organic Amines

In this work, POM anions were introduced into the viologen system in order to synthesize POM-viologen hybrid compounds with excellent properties. Three new POM-viologen compounds, {CdII(tybipy)(DMF)2[β-Mo8O26]0.5Cl} (1), {CoII(tybipy)2(DMF)2[H2(β-Mo8O26)]2}·4C2H7N (2), and (tybipy)4·(β-Mo8O26) (3) (tybipy·Br = 1-thiophen-3-ylmethyl-[4,4']bipyridinyl-1-ium bromide), have been prepared by a solvothermal method, and their structures were characterized. POM anions are modified by mixing organic ligands with transition metals in compounds 1 and 2. However, compound 3 is a supramolecular structure constructed by hydrogen bonding interactions between the dissociative viologen and POM anions. These three compounds have rapid photoresponse and photochromic ability, which can be made into mixed matrix membranes and hydrogels for UV detection. The rigid sandwich devices prepared by compounds 1-3 have achieved ultrafast electrochromism and recovery. In addition, photochromic hydrogels based on compounds 1-3 can achieve ultrafast photochromic recovery. Compounds 1-3 can be used in ink-free printing and Hg2+ fluorescence detecting. Compounds 1 and 2 can also be used as organic amine detectors. Combined with photochromism and fluorescence detection of Hg2+, visual test papers for Hg2+, Cu2+, and Co2+ were successfully realized, which can improve the portability and detection speed of heavy metal ions in the actual environment.

A Ratiometric Afterglow Response of Aluminium Ions in Methanol-Water

An afterglow is beneficial as an emission signal in the field of displays and imaging probes. Here, boronic acid-appended and spirolactam ring-containing rhodamine dye 1 was synthesized and grafted onto the surface of room-temperature phosphorescence-active boronate nanoparticles (BPs), composed of polymeric 3-benzo-2,4,8,10-tetraoxa-3,9-diboraspiro[5.5]undecane. The resultant ensemble, 1@BP, exhibited a greenish afterglow. However, the addition of Al³⁺ into the dispersion solution with 1@BP led to a change in the afterglow to grass green as a result of Förster-type energy transfer from the phosphorescent BP to the Al³⁺ -interacting rhodamine dye 1 on the surface. Based on the ratio of the two emission intensities, a linear response in the concentration range of 3.8-15.2 μM was observed, with a detection limit of 4.2 μM for Al³⁺ . A metal ion-dependent discernable color in afterglow was observed on a 1@BP-coated filter paper, which would be useful for not only film-based afterglow chemosensors but also encryption application.

Effects of geometrical isomerism on emissive behaviour of heteroleptic cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes

In this study, we report the emissive properties of a heteroleptic cyclometalated Ir(iii) complex, [Ir(bzq)2(PBO)] (bzqH = benzo[h]quinoline; PBOH = 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole). The complex, [Ir(C^N)2(N^O)], was synthesised and optically resolved using a chiral column. Two geometrical isomers, trans-(N,N) and cis-(N,N) isomers, were obtained as the major and minor products in an enantiopure form, respectively. Their molecular structures were determined using single crystal X-ray analysis. In the crystalline states, the intermolecular C-Hπ interaction between PBO- and an H atom in bzq- was the main factor influencing molecular packing. When the complexes were dissolved in CH2Cl2 and excited at 430 nm under N2 atmosphere, yellow (λmax = 550 nm) and orange emissions (λmax = 570 nm) were observed for the trans-(N,N) and cis-(N,N) isomers, respectively, with the quantum yield higher for the former than the latter.

An Intelligent AIEgen with Nonmonotonic Multiresponses to Multistimuli

Intelligent stimulus-response (S/R) systems are the basis of natural process and machine control, which are intensively explored in biomimetic design and analytical/biological applications. However, nonmonotonic multi-S/R systems are still rarely studied so far. In this work, a rational design strategy is proposed to achieve such a unique S/R system by integrating opposite luminescence behaviors in one molecule. When solvent polarity increases, many heterocyclic or carbonyl-containing compounds often become more emissive due to the suppression of the proximity effect, whereas molecules with donor-acceptor (D-A) structures tend to be less emissive because of the twisted intramolecular charge transfer. Meanwhile, protonation on D/A moieties will weaken/strengthen the D-A interaction to result in blue/redshifted emissions. By combining a protonatable heterocyclic acceptor and a protonatable donor together in one molecule, nonmonotonic brightness responses to polarity stimuli and nonmonotonic color responses to pH stimuli can be achieved. The design strategy is successfully verified by a simple molecule named 4-(dimethylamino)styryl)quinoxalin-2(1H)-one (ASQ). ASQ exhibits nonmonotonic responses to polarity and pH stimuli, and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) with a nonmonotonic AIE curve. Meanwhile, ASQ can be adjusted to emit white light in an acidic environment, and it shows multivalent functionalities including albumin protein sensing, ratiometric pH sensing, and amine gas sensing.

Lysosome-targeted chemotherapeutics: Anticancer mechanism of N-heterocyclic carbene iridium(III) complex

N-heterocyclic carbenes-modified half-sandwich iridium(III) complex [(η⁵-C₅Me₄C₆H₄C₆H₅)Ir(C^C)Cl]PF₆ (C1) (where C^C is a N-heterocyclic carbene ligand) can effectively prevent the proliferation of human cervical cancer cells. Here, this study aims to investigate the in-deep anticancer effects of this complex on non-small cell lung cancer cells and explore the underlying molecular mechanism. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay showed that iridium(III) complex had potent cytotoxicity studies towards non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549), human lung squamous cells (L78), human cervical cancer cells (Hela) and human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Colocalization and cellular uptake studies were analyzed by confocal microscopy. Notably, C1 targeted lysosomes and entered the cancer cells partially through an energy-dependent pathway, inducing the release of cathepsins and other proteins. These proteins regulated lysosomal-mitochondrial dysfunction, thus leading to the release of cytochrome c (cyt c), which amplified apoptotic signals by activating many downstream pathways such as caspase pathways to promote cell apoptosis. The results showed that the inhibitory mechanism of this organometallic iridium(III) complex may involve caspase-associated apoptosis initiated by the lysosomal-mitochondrial pathway.

Multi-functional photoelectric sensors based on a series of isopolymolybdate-based compounds for detecting different ions

Five molybdate-based compounds can be used as multi-functional photoelectric sensors. They act as electrochemical sensors for sensing NO₂⁻ and Cr(vi). Compound 3 also can be used as a fluorescent sensor for detecting Hg²⁺.

Four Keggin-based compounds constructed by a series of pyridine derivatives: synthesis, and electrochemical, photocatalytic and fluorescence sensing properties

Four compounds based on Keggin anions and Ag^I ions were obtained, the photocatalytic and electrochemical properties were studied. Compound 4 can act as a Hg²⁺ fluorescence sensor.

The Important Role of Coordination Geometry on Photophysical Properties of Blue-Green Emitting Ruthenium(II) Diisocyano Complexes Bearing 2-Benzoxazol-2-ylphenolate

A series of blue-green emitting Ru^II diisocyano complexes containing 2-benzoxazol-2-ylphenolate (PBO) have been prepared. The complexes were isolated under varied reaction conditions in two isomeric forms, i.e., trans,trans,trans- (1) and cis,trans,cis- (2), with varied ligand coordination geometry above the Ru^II center. The photoluminescence of the isomeric complexes has been compared and tuned by the systematic variation of the electronic properties of the isocyanides. The cis,trans,cis- isomers exhibit structureless emission in the blue-green region (471-517 nm) upon excitation at λ_ex > 400 nm in dichloromethane solution at room temperature. Both isomeric forms show similarly structured greenish emission at 499-523 nm on excitation at λ_ex > 355 nm in a methanol/ethanol (4:1) glassy medium at 77 K. On careful comparison with the corresponding absorption and electrochemical data, it is suggested that the solution emission of the cis,trans,cis- isomers (2) at room temperature is originated from the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT), while a ligand-centered (LC) parentage is assigned for the emission in a glassy state for both isomeric forms. In line with the above experimental results, DFT calculation demonstrates the change in the nature and relative energy of the HOMOs and LUMOs with respect to the varied ligand coordination geometry and π-accepting ability of the isocyanides.

Strong Influence of the Ancillary Ligand over the Photodynamic Anticancer Properties of Neutral Biscyclometalated IrIII Complexes Bearing 2-Benzoazole-Phenolates

In this paper, the synthesis, comprehensive characterization and biological and photocatalytic properties of two series of neutral Ir^III biscyclometalated complexes of general formula [Ir(C^N)₂ (N^O)], where the N^O ligands are 2-(benzimidazolyl)phenolate-N,O (L1, series a) and 2-(benzothiazolyl)phenolate-N,O (L2, series b), and the C^N ligands are 2-(phenyl)pyridinate or its derivatives, are described,. Complexes of types a and b exhibit dissimilar photophysical and biological properties. In vitro cytotoxicity tests conclusively prove that derivatives of series a are harmless in the dark against SW480 cancer cells (colon adenocarcinoma), but express enhanced cytotoxicity versus the same cells after stimulation with UV or blue light. In contrast, complexes of type b show a very high cytotoxic activity in the dark, but low photosensitizing ability. Thus, the ancillary N^O ligand is the main factor in terms of cytotoxic activity both in the dark and upon irradiation. However, the C^N ligands play a key role regarding cellular uptake. In particular, the complex of formula [Ir(dfppy)₂ (L1)] (dfppy=2-(4,6-difluorophenyl)pyridinate) [3 a] has been identified as both an efficient photosensitizer for ¹ O₂ generation and a potential agent for photodynamic therapy. These capabilities are probably related to a combination of its notable cellular internalization, remarkable photostability, high photoluminescence quantum yield, and long triplet excited-state lifetime. Both types of complexes exhibit notable catalytic activity in the photooxidation of thioanisole and S-containing aminoacids with full selectivity.

A2B corroles: Fluorescence signaling systems for sensing fluoride ions

Four free base corroles, 1-4, A₂B, (where A = nitrophenyl, and B = pentafluorophenyl, 2, 6-difluoro, 3, 4, 5-trifluoro and 4-carboxymethylphenyl group) have been synthesized, characterized and demonstrated as excellent chemosensor for the detection of fluoride ions selectively in toluene solution. The reported corroles shows highest quantum yield in free base form of porphyrinoid systems so far. All these corrole, 1-4, have the excellent ability to sense fluoride ion. Cumulative effect of static and dynamic factors is responsible for the quenching of fluorescence which indicates the detection of fluoride ion in solution.

Fluorescent phenoxy benzoxazole complexes of zirconium and hafnium: synthesis, structure and photo-physical behaviour

A series of ten heteroleptic and homoleptic mononuclear Zr(iv) and Hf(iv) complexes bearing differently substituted phenoxy-benzoxazole ligands was synthesised. The complexes were characterised by 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy as well as by elemental analyses and X-ray diffraction experiments. The molecular structures show octahedral or tetragonal-antiprismatic coordination motifs at the metal atom. The crystal packing patterns depend on the substitution of the ligands. The intermolecular interactions in the solid state are governed by weak π-π interactions, and are also dependent on the ligand structure. Photo-physical investigations reveal that all ten complexes show a ligand-centered fluorescence with emission maxima in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

A sulfur-free iridium(III) complex for highly selective and multi-signaling mercury(II)-chemosensors

A sulfur-free iridium(III) complex (pbi)2Ir(mtpy) (1) was successfully prepared and adopted as a Hg(II)-chemosensor with high selectivity and sensitivity. Multi-signaling responses towards Hg(II) ions were observed by UV-vis absorption, phosphorescence and electrochemistry measurements. With addition of Hg(II) ions, complex 1 presented quenched emission in its phosphorescence spectrum and the detection limit was as low as 2.5 × 10(-7) M. Additionally, its redox peak currents showed a broad linear relationship with the concentration of Hg(II) ions ranging from 0 to 500 μM, which was beneficial for the quantitative detection. Based on the (1)H NMR and ESI-MS analyses, the probing mechanism was tentatively supposed to be the Hg(2+)-induced changes in the local environment of complex 1. Such a response process was useful for achieving simple and effective detection of Hg(II) ions as well as developing more chemosensors.

Macrocyclization of N,N′-propylenebis(3-formyl-5-tert-butylsalicylaldimine): a ratiometric fluorescence chemodosimeter for ZnII

Side off compartmental ligandN,N′-propylenebis(3-formyl-5-tert-butylsalicylaldimine) is used as a ratiometric fluorescence chemodosimeter for the selective detection of Zn^IIions.

Aluminum complexes containing salicylbenzoxazole ligands and their application in the ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide and ε-caprolactone

Two series of aluminum complexes supported by salicylbenzoxazole ligands were successfully synthesized and applied as active initiators for the ring-opening polymerization of rac-LA and ε-CL.

Phenanthrimidazole as a fluorescent sensor with logic gate operations

A novel sensor namely, 1-(1-(p-tolyl)-1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazol-2-yl)naphthalen-2-ol was synthesised for the detection of anion as well as cation through intramolecular charge transfer mechanism. This compound was used for the selective detection of Zn(2+) ion as compared to other metal ions and the binding was evidenced from the new absorption band at 356 nm and switch on fluorescence at 453 nm. The switch on fluorescence can be explained on the basis of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism and it was demonstrated by logic gate functions.

Crystal structure of bis-[2-(benzo-thia-zol-2-yl)phenolato-κ(2) N,O]copper(II)

In the title complex, [Cu(C13H8NOS)2], the Cu(II) atom is coordinated by two N atoms and two O atoms from two bidentate benzo-thia-zolphenolate ligands, forming a distorted tetra-hedral geometry [dihedral angle between two N-Cu-O planes: 45.1 (2)°]. The dihedral angles between the benzo-thia-zole ring systems and the phenol rings are 4.1 (4) and 5.8 (4)°, indicating an almost planar geometry. Weak intra- and inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are observed. In the crystal, weak π-π inter-actions between aromatic and thia-zole rings [centroid-centroid distances = 3.626 (3) and 3.873 (3) Å] link the mol-ecules into a two-dimensional supra-molecular network along the bc plane.

Room-temperature phosphorescence logic gates developed from nucleic acid functionalized carbon dots and graphene oxide

Room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) logic gates were developed using capture ssDNA (cDNA) modified carbon dots and graphene oxide (GO). The experimental results suggested the feasibility of these developed RTP-based "OR", "INHIBIT" and "OR-INHIBIT" logic gate operations, using Hg(2+), target ssDNA (tDNA) and doxorubicin (DOX) as inputs.

Cyclometalated iridium(III)-β-carboline complexes as potent autophagy-inducing agents

Two cyclometalated Ir(III)-β-carboline complexes were identified as potent inducers of autophagic cell death. Autophagy induced by these complexes is ROS-mediated and caspase-independent.

White light emission from a two-component hybrid gel via an energy transfer process

A two-component light-harvesting organogel containing a naphthalimide-based gelator as a donor and a phosphorescent Ir(iii) complex as an acceptor was used to produce white-light-emitting organogels.

Three new POM-based compounds constructed by rigid thiabendazole and flexible bis(pyrazole) ligands: structures and properties for Hg2+ recognition

The introduction of S atoms to ligands induces the properties for Hg²⁺ recognition of POM-based compounds.

Phosphorescent chemosensor for Hg2+ based on an iridium(iii) complex coordinated with 4-phenylquinazoline and carbazole dithiocarbamate

A colorimetric phosphorescent chemosensor Ir(pqz)2(cdc) showed satisfactory selective, sensitive, naked eye detection and fluorescence change response to Hg²⁺ in MeCN.

Two and three input molecular logic operations mediated by a novel azo-azomethine based chromogenic probe through intramolecular charge transfer processes

A novel azo-azomethine based chromogenic receptor has been successfully designed and synthesized for the construction of multifunctional molecular logic circuits.

A colorimetric and luminescent dual-modal assay for Cu(II) ion detection using an iridium(III) complex

A novel iridium(III) complex-based chemosensor bearing the 5,6-bis(salicylideneimino)-1,10-phenanthroline ligand receptor was developed, which exhibited a highly sensitive and selective color change from colorless to yellow and a visible turn-off luminescence response upon the addition of Cu(II) ions. The interactions of this iridium(III) complex with Cu2+ ions and thirteen other cations have been investigated by UV-Vis absorption titration, emission titration, and 1H NMR titration.

A molecular Boolean mimic with OR, NOR, YES and INH functions: dual-ion recognition driven fluorescence “turn on”

Naphthyl-based Schiff base mimics logic functions through selective dual-ion recognition and fluorescence “ON” at a single wavelength.