Efficient metallation in diphenylether – A convenient route to luminescent platinum(II) complexes

The synthesis of luminescent platinum(II) complexes is described. The rapid platination of porphyrins and cyclometallating coumarins was performed in diphenylether using platinum(II) bis(benzonitrile)dichloride and platinum(II) bis(dimethyl sulfoxide)dichloride. Compared to conventional methods, the reaction times are lowered dramatically and yields are significantly improved. For the first time, a NIR-emitting platinum(II) complex with tetraphenyltetrabenzoporphyrin was obtained using a direct route starting from phthalimide and phenylacetic acid.