Synthesis and characterization of blue phosphorescent cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes containing 2-(imidazol-2-yl)pyridine as ancillary ligand

► Four new blue phosphorescent iridium complexes containing 2-(fluoro substituted phenyl)pyridine as the cyclometalated ligands and 2-(imidazol-2-yl)pyridine as an ancillary ligand have been synthesized and characterized. ► The absorption, emission, and cyclic voltammetry of the complexes were systematically investigated. ► By changing the ancillary ligand can finely tune the emission of the iridium complexes, which is a way to design and synthesize new phosphorescent iridium materials.