(Bipy)Ir(ppy)2 Hexafluorophosphate: Properties & Uses FAQ
(Bipy)Ir(ppy)2 Hexafluorophosphate: Properties & Uses FAQ
(2,2'-Bipyridine)bis(2-phenylpyridinato)iridium(III) Hexafluorophosphate is a cationic cyclometalated iridium(III) complex widely studied for its strong room-temperature phosphorescence, long excited-state lifetime, and versatile roles as a photoredox catalyst and electroluminescent emitter in organic light-emitting devices.
- Chemical Name
- (2,2'-Bipyridine)bis(2-phenylpyridinato)iridium(III) Hexafluorophosphate
- SKU
- B152654
- Complex Type
- Cationic cyclometalated Ir(III) complex with PF6⁻ counter-ion
- Coordination Environment
- Octahedral Ir(III) center; two anionic 2-phenylpyridinate (C^N) ligands and one neutral 2,2'-bipyridine (N^N) ligand
- Emission Type
- Room-temperature phosphorescence from triplet metal-to-ligand charge transfer (³MLCT) excited state
- Key Applications
- Photoredox catalysis, OLED emissive layers, luminescent probes, photophysical reference standard
Overview and Chemical Structure
(2,2'-Bipyridine)bis(2-phenylpyridinato)iridium(III) Hexafluorophosphate, often abbreviated [Ir(ppy)2(bipy)]PF6, belongs to the extensively studied family of cationic cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes. The iridium center adopts a distorted octahedral geometry and is coordinated by two bidentate cyclometalating 2-phenylpyridine (ppy) ligands, each bonded through a Ir–C bond and an Ir–N bond, and one neutral 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) ancillary ligand coordinated via two Ir–N bonds. The hexafluorophosphate (PF6−) anion serves as a non-coordinating counter-ion, rendering the overall complex ionic. This mixed-ligand design allows systematic tuning of photophysical properties by varying either the cyclometalating or the ancillary ligand.
Photophysical Properties and Luminescence
The complex exhibits strong room-temperature phosphorescence driven by efficient spin-orbit coupling (SOC) induced by the heavy iridium atom. The lowest-lying excited state has predominantly triplet metal-to-ligand charge transfer (³MLCT) character mixed with ligand-centred (LC) contributions. This results in a relatively short phosphorescent lifetime compared with purely organic phosphors and a high photoluminescence quantum yield, both of which are favorable for practical applications. The emission color is typically in the yellow-to-orange spectral region, though the precise wavelength depends on solvent, temperature, and concentration. The large Stokes shift and broad emission band are characteristic of MLCT-based emitters.
Researchers should note that photophysical parameters such as quantum yield and excited-state lifetime can vary significantly with measurement conditions (degassed versus aerated solution, solvent polarity, and thin-film versus solution state). All reported values should be verified against primary literature and replicated under the user's specific experimental conditions.
Applications in Research
Photoredox Catalysis: Cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes of this type are prominent visible-light photoredox catalysts. Upon excitation with visible light, the complex can act as both a single-electron oxidant and reductant from its long-lived triplet excited state, enabling a wide range of synthetic transformations including C–C bond formation, C–H functionalization, and dehalogenation reactions.
OLED Emissive Materials: The efficient phosphorescent emission and favorable electrochemical properties of [Ir(ppy)2(bipy)]PF6 make it a candidate emissive dopant in organic light-emitting diode (OLED) research. Phosphorescent OLEDs based on Ir(III) emitters can theoretically achieve 100% internal quantum efficiency by harvesting both singlet and triplet excitons.
Luminescent Probes and Sensing: The complex's sensitivity to its local environment (oxygen quenching, solvent polarity effects) makes it useful as a luminescent probe for oxygen sensing and bioimaging studies.
Photophysical Reference Standard: Well-characterized Ir(III) complexes serve as reference standards in photophysical measurements, including emission lifetime and quantum yield determinations.
Handling, Storage and Safety Considerations
As an organometallic iridium compound, [Ir(ppy)2(bipy)]PF6 should be handled with standard laboratory precautions appropriate for research-grade transition-metal complexes. Key considerations include:
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture. The complex is typically stored under inert atmosphere conditions (argon or nitrogen) to prevent degradation. Consult the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific storage temperature recommendations.
- Solubility: Ionic Ir(III) complexes with PF6− counter-ions are generally soluble in polar organic solvents such as acetonitrile, dichloromethane, and dimethyl sulfoxide, but have limited solubility in water and nonpolar solvents.
- Light Sensitivity: Minimize prolonged exposure to ambient light during handling and solution preparation to avoid photodegradation.
- Personal Protective Equipment: Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, eye protection, and lab coat. Consult the current SDS for full hazard information before use.
Specific hazard data, GHS classifications, and regulatory information are provided in the product SDS available from Aladdin Scientific. Always verify the current SDS before use.
Ordering and Availability
(2,2'-Bipyridine)bis(2-phenylpyridinato)iridium(III) Hexafluorophosphate is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU B152654. Researchers should contact Aladdin Scientific's sales or technical support team for information on available pack sizes, current pricing, lead times, and bulk or custom quantity options. For questions regarding purity specifications, analytical certificates of analysis (CoA), or technical applications support, please reach out to our technical team directly through the Aladdin Scientific website.
Frequently asked questions
What is the emission color and approximate emission wavelength of [Ir(ppy)2(bipy)]PF6?
The complex emits in the yellow-to-orange region of the visible spectrum, characteristic of cationic [Ir(C^N)2(N^N)]+ complexes where the 2,2'-bipyridine ancillary ligand contributes to the MLCT excited state energy. The precise emission maximum depends on the solvent and measurement conditions; users should verify the exact value against the product's Certificate of Analysis and primary literature under their specific experimental conditions.
Is [Ir(ppy)2(bipy)]PF6 suitable for use as a photoredox catalyst in organic synthesis?
Yes, cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes of this structural type are well-established visible-light photoredox catalysts. Their long-lived triplet excited states, accessible redox potentials, and strong visible-light absorption make them effective for single-electron transfer reactions in synthetic chemistry. However, the specific suitability for a given transformation should be confirmed by consulting primary literature, as catalyst performance depends on substrate, solvent, light source, and reaction conditions.
What solvents are recommended for dissolving [Ir(ppy)2(bipy)]PF6?
As an ionic complex with a PF6⁻ counter-ion, this compound is generally soluble in polar organic solvents such as acetonitrile, dichloromethane, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). It has limited solubility in water and is poorly soluble in nonpolar solvents such as hexane or diethyl ether. For photophysical measurements, degassed, spectroscopic-grade solvents should be used to avoid oxygen quenching of the phosphorescent emission.
How should [Ir(ppy)2(bipy)]PF6 be stored to maintain stability?
The complex should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct light and moisture. Storage under an inert atmosphere (argon or nitrogen) is recommended to minimize oxidative or photochemical degradation. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided by Aladdin Scientific for specific storage temperature and handling recommendations.
What makes iridium(III) complexes like this one efficient phosphorescent emitters?
The heavy iridium atom induces strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC), which relaxes the spin-selection rule and enables efficient intersystem crossing from the singlet to the triplet excited state. This promotes radiative decay from the triplet state (phosphorescence) with relatively short lifetimes and high quantum yields compared with organic phosphors. The cyclometalating ligands tune the energy of the emitting MLCT state, allowing color tuning across the visible spectrum.
References
- Lowry, M. S.; Bernhard, S. Synthetically Tailored Excited States: Phosphorescent, Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes and Their Applications. Chemistry – A European Journal 2006, 12, 7970–7977. doi:10.1002/chem.200600984
- Prier, C. K.; Rankic, D. A.; MacMillan, D. W. C. Visible Light Photoredox Catalysis with Transition Metal Complexes: Applications in Organic Synthesis. Chemical Reviews 2013, 113, 5322–5363. doi:10.1021/cr300503r
- Ulbricht, C.; Beyer, B.; Friebe, C.; Winter, A.; Schubert, U. S. Recent Developments in the Application of Phosphorescent Iridium(III) Complex Systems. Advanced Materials 2009, 21, 4418–4441. doi:10.1002/adma.200803537
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