Environmental effects on the photophysics of transition metal complexes with dipyrido[2,3-a:3′,2′-c]phenazine (dppz) and related ligands

This review primarily covers studies of ruthenium(II) complexes with the dppz (dipyrido[2,3-a:3′,2′-c]phenazine) ligand; in solution, in polymers and surfactant/lipid media, and when bound to DNA. Related studies with other transition metals, and with extended ligands that can form bimetallic as well as monometallic complexes are discussed. The review focuses on photophysics of these complexes with particular attention devoted to the nature of the excited states that give rise to emission, their dependence on solvent environment, and the behavior of the complexes as luminescent probes for DNA.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (186 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights• Effects of solvent and ligands on [Ru(L)2dppz]2+ emission. • Influence of transition metal centre on photophysics. • [Ru(L)2dppz]2+ emission when bound to DNA. • Excited state quenching mechanism in water. • Ultrafast investigations of MLCT excited states.