Functional metal complexes from CuAAC “click” bidentate and tridentate pyridyl-1,2,3-triazole ligands

Ligands containing the bidentate 2-pyridyl-1,2,3-triazole and tridentate 2,6-pyridyl-bis(1,2,3-triazole) moieties have emerged as alternatives to 2,2'-bypridine and 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine and other nitrogen-containing bi- and tri-dentate chelators. Because these "click" ligands are readily functionalised they are attractive options for the development of functional coordination complexes. This Frontiers Article discusses key recent reports on functional CuAAC "click" complexes in the areas of biological agency, photophysics, and catalysis.