Hydroxyl and amino functionalized cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes: Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity studies

•A series of Ir(III) complexes were successfully synthesized and characterized.•Two of the complexes were structurally characterized via X-ray crystallography.•The emission of the complexes could be switched off or on in acid or base solution.•The complexes could be potentially used for the luminescence pH sensors.•Some of the complexes have promising potential as specific cell-imaging agents.

A series of Ir(III) complexes (CˆN)2Ir(NˆN) (NˆN are 4,4′-dihydroxy-2,2′-bipyridine and 4,4′-diamino-2,2′-bipyridine, and CˆN are phenylpyridine, benzo[h]quinolone, and 2-phenylquinoline) were synthesized and characterized. Two of the complexes were structurally characterized via X-ray crystallography. The photophysical and photochemical properties of these complexes were studied. Preliminary studies of their applications on pH sensing, and cell imaging were also performed.

Graphical abstractA series of Ir(III) complexes with amino or hydroxyl groups were synthesized and characterized. Two of the complexes were structurally characterized via X-ray crystallography. The photophysical and photochemical properties of these complexes were studied. Preliminary studies of their applications on pH sensing, and cell imaging were also performed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide