Synthesis and comparison study of electrochemiluminescence from mononuclear and corresponding heterodinuclear Ir-Ru complexes via an amide bond as a bridge

A mononuclear iridium-based complex with a primary amine group (named Ir-NH2), a mononuclear ruthenium-based complex with a butanoic acid group (named Ru-COOH) and the corresponding heterodinuclear complex containing an iridium and ruthenium center via an amide bond bridge (named Ir-Ru) were designed and successfully synthesized in this study. The photophysical and electrochemical properties and ECL performances of these three metal complexes under various experimental conditions were well characterized. For the first time, the insights from this comprehensive comparison study indicate that the two metal-based subunits with comparable luminescent properties are significant in the design of bimetallic-based multicolor luminophores at the molecular level, which helps us to further understand the emission performances of bimetallic complexes and to rationally design more efficient corresponding organometallic luminophores with multicolor emission for wide applications in the future.

Automated summary

A study was conducted to design and synthesize mononuclear iridium-based and ruthenium-based complexes with amine and carboxylic acid groups respectively, as well as a heterodinuclear complex with an amide bond bridge. The photophysical and electrochemical properties and electrochemiluminescence performances of these complexes were characterized under different experimental conditions. The results of this comprehensive comparison study provide insights into the design of bimetallic multicolor luminophores at the molecular level, contributing to a better understanding of the emission performances of bimetallic complexes and the rational design of efficient organometallic luminophores with multicolor emission for various applications in the future.