Facile synthesis and complete characterization of homoleptic and heteroleptic cyclometalated Iridium(III) complexes for photocatalysis

Herein we describe an improved synthesis for homoleptic iridium(III) 2-phenylpyridine based photocatalysts that allows rapid access to these compounds in good to high yields which have recently become a vital component within the field of catalysis. In addition, we synthesized a number of heteroleptic iridium(III) 2-phenylpyridine photocatalysts and report their photophysical and electrochemical properties. The emission energies span the range of 473–560 nm and reduction potentials from −2.27 V to −1.23 V and oxidation potentials ranging from 1.81 V to 0.69 V. Additionally, we provide the calculated excited state properties and comment on the role of these properties in designing catalytic cycles.