A mechanochromic cyclemetalated cationic Ir(iii) complex with AIE activity by strategic modification of ligands. Issue 37 (14th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pei, Yu; Xie, Jiaxin; Cui, Dongxu; Liu, Shengnan; Li, Guangfu; Zhu, Dongxia; Su, Zhongmin
• Is Part Of: Dalton transactions. Volume 49:Issue 37(2020)
• Page Start: 13066
• Page End: 13071
• Publication Date: 2020-09-14
• Subjects: Chemistry, Inorganic -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Physical and theoretical -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Inorganic -- Periodicals; 546.05
• DOI: 10.1039/d0dt02526g
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-9226

Abstract

Abstract : π-Hydrogen bonding is successfully exploited for the first time to realize the MCL property of a cyclemetalated cationic Ir(iii ) complex. Abstract : Two new aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active cyclemetalated cationic Ir(iii ) complexes have been rationally designed and synthesized by introducing O–H substituents into Schiff base ligands. π-Hydrogen bonding is successfully exploited for the first time to realize the mechanochromic luminescence (MCL) property by the synergistic effect of O–H and F substituents in complex 1 . An X-ray crystal structure analysis of the two complexes suggests that the intramolecular hydrogen bonding effectively restricted the molecular motions, thus causing typical AIE characteristics. More importantly, a loosely packed structure constructed from intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions (O–H⋯π and C–H⋯F) is obtained, and it is susceptible to mechanical stimulation. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) studies also prove that the MCL behavior of complex 1 is caused by the reversible phase transition from crystalline to amorphous state under grinding and solvent recrystallization, leading to a change in emission colors. A re-writable phosphorescence data recording device was fabricated using complex 1 as the active material. Our molecular design strategies provide a new avenue for achieving efficient phosphorescence materials with AIE and MCL properties.