pH-Responsive luminescence sensing, photoredox catalysis and photodynamic applications of ruthenium(II) photosensitizers bearing imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline scaffolds

Ru(II)-polypyridyl complexes supported with imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline ligand are of increasing interest as photosensitizers in different research areas. A combination of rich ground-state and excitedstate physicochemical characteristics of Ru(II)-polypyridyl complexes and distinct structural features of imidazo-phenanthroline core can be exploited for potent light-driven electron and energy transfer events. In the last decade, this area has dramatically expanded for several applications of such complexes as promising therapeutic and imaging agents. In view of these efforts, the present study provides an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the design and development of imidazo-phenanthroline based Ru(II)-polypyridyl based photosensitizers for the improved photodynamic therapy (PDT), luminescence-based sensing and light-driven catalyses. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Ru(II)-polypyridyl complexes supported with imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline ligand are increasingly of interest as photosensitizers in various research areas due to their rich physicochemical characteristics and distinctive structural features. In recent years, the field has expanded significantly, with these complexes being explored for promising therapeutic and imaging applications, providing new opportunities and challenges for improved photodynamic therapy, luminescence-based sensing, and light-driven catalysis.