Phosphorescence of iridium(III) complexes with 2-(2-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles

► New 2-(2′-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole ligands (N^N). ► Three new cationic Ir(III) complexes [(C^N)2Ir(N^N)](PF6). ► New complexes exhibit orange-red phosphorescence in solution.