An AIPE-active heteroleptic Ir(III) complex for latent fingermarks detection

The existence of a sensitive, accurate and convenient method to visualize latent fingermarks (LFs) is of great importance for police identification. In this work, a novel heteroleptic cationic Ir(III) complex (DX-5), which exhibits dual emission (λmax = 362 nm, Ф = 0.16 and λmax = 494 nm, Ф = 0.59) and aggregation-induced phosphorescent emission (AIPE) characteristics, was designed and synthesized. This complex was used to enhance the visualization of LFs on different surfaces of porous and non-porous substrates. The results illustrate that complex DX-5 can define the details of LFs up to the third level within 5 min, proving to be a candidate material for criminal investigations applications.