Synthesis, structures and naked-eye phosphorescence of 2-(6-Methoxynaphthyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline-Cu(I) complexes

Here, a new imine ligand, 2-(6-methoxynaphthyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (mipH), and three pairs of its ionic and neutral Cu(I) complexes were synthesized. Their crystal structures and naked-eye phosphorescence were studied. All the Cu(I) complexes show good phosphorescence emissive properties in the solid state in the visible region, but in dichloromethane solutions, only the neutral Cu(I) complexes emit good naked-eye phosphorescence, which contrasts sharply with the weak luminescence of the ionic Cu(I) complexes. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The newly synthesized Cu(I) complexes exhibit good phosphorescence emissive properties in the solid state, but show significant differences in emission intensity in solution, with the neutral complexes emitting stronger phosphorescence than the ionic complexes.