Tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium
[CAS# 94928-86-6]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Organometallic compound >> Organic iridium
• Name: Tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium
• Synonyms: Ir(ppy)3
• Molecular Formula: C₃₃H₂₇IrN₃
• Molecular Weight: 657.80
• CAS Registry Number: 94928-86-6
• EC Number: 635-640-5
• SMILES: C1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=CC=CC=N2.C1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=CC=CC=N2.C1=CC=C(C=C1)C2=CC=CC=N2.[Ir]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P305+P351+P338

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319

Discovery and Applications

Tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium, commonly abbreviated as Ir(ppy)3, is a well-known iridium-based compound that has found significant applications in organic electronics, particularly in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and phosphorescent devices. This compound consists of an iridium (Ir) metal center coordinated with three 2-phenylpyridine ligands, which play a crucial role in its photophysical properties. The discovery of tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium has been a key development in the field of materials science, and it continues to be a critical component in various technological applications.

The compound was first synthesized in the 1980s, when researchers were exploring new materials for use in electronic devices. The unique properties of iridium, such as its ability to form stable coordination complexes, made it an attractive candidate for development in optoelectronics. The coordination of 2-phenylpyridine to the iridium center allows for efficient charge transfer and light emission, which is essential for applications such as OLEDs. Over the years, numerous studies have focused on optimizing the properties of Ir(ppy)3, making it one of the most widely used phosphorescent materials.

One of the most significant applications of tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium is in OLED technology. OLEDs are a key component in modern display technology, used in products ranging from smartphones to large television screens. The role of Ir(ppy)3 in OLEDs is primarily as a phosphorescent emitter, where it is used to convert electrical energy into light with high efficiency. Its ability to emit light through phosphorescence, which is a more efficient process than fluorescence, allows OLEDs to achieve high brightness and low power consumption. This makes Ir(ppy)3-based OLEDs highly desirable for use in consumer electronics.

In addition to its use in OLEDs, tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium has also been utilized in other optoelectronic applications. It is employed in organic solar cells, where it helps to improve energy conversion efficiency. Ir(ppy)3 has also been explored in the development of organic light-emitting transistors (OLETs) and organic lasers, where its high luminescent efficiency is a valuable asset. The compound's stable photophysical properties and its ability to emit light across a range of wavelengths make it suitable for various optoelectronic devices.

Another important application of tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium is in the field of catalysis. The unique electronic properties of Ir(ppy)3 allow it to be used as a catalyst in a range of organic transformations, such as carbon-carbon bond formation reactions. Its ability to facilitate efficient electron transfer makes it a valuable catalyst in both industrial and research settings. Additionally, the compound has been explored as a photocatalyst in environmental applications, where it can be used to drive light-induced chemical reactions, such as the degradation of pollutants.

Tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium is also being investigated for its potential use in biomedical applications. Research into its ability to interact with biological molecules and its photodynamic therapy potential is ongoing. The compound’s stability and luminescence properties may make it useful in areas such as fluorescence imaging and targeted drug delivery. In particular, its ability to generate reactive oxygen species upon exposure to light holds promise for therapeutic applications in cancer treatment.

In summary, tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium is a versatile and highly functional material that has become essential in the development of modern optoelectronic devices, catalysis, and potential biomedical applications. Its discovery and subsequent optimization have paved the way for advancements in OLED technology, organic solar cells, and light-emitting transistors. As research continues, its range of applications is expected to expand, further cementing its role as a cornerstone material in the field of organic electronics and beyond.

References

2014. Electrogenerated chemiluminescence of tris(2‐phenylpyridine)iridium(III) in water, acetonitrile and trifluorethanol. Luminescence : the journal of biological and chemical luminescence, 29(4).
DOI: 10.1002/bio.2691

2013. Intermolecular Interactions and Aggregation of fac-Tris(2-phenylpyridinato-C2,N)iridium(III) in Nonpolar Solvents. The journal of physical chemistry. B, 117(30).
DOI: 10.1021/jp403974h

2012. Phosphorescence Imaging of Living Cells with Amino Acid-Functionalized Tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium(III) Complexes. Inorganic Chemistry, 51(3).
DOI: 10.1021/ic201860s