Synthesis, structures and properties of new cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes of 3-methoxy-6-methyl-2-(naphthalen-2-yl)pyridine

► The complex 4 is a promising phosphorescent material for OLEDs. ► X-ray structures of three cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes 2-4. ► The five-coordinate bis-cyclometalated Ir(III) complex 3 has been isolated. ► Reactions of complexes 2 and 3 with acetylacetonate afforded the same six-coordinate complex 4.