Synthesis, characterization and photophysical properties of homoleptic platinum(II) complexes with 2,2′-biimidazole-based ligands

Abstract

Eight pairs of cis–trans isomeric homoleptic platinum(II) complexes based on N-alkyl- or aryl-substituted 2,2′-biimidazole ligands were synthesized, and their photophysical properties were investigated. The cis and trans isomers readily interconvert at slightly elevated temperature, implying that the activation barrier for this process is low. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the complexes have an ideal square-planar geometry. Their UV–Vis spectra showed lower energy absorption bands in the range of 345–378 nm, which are assigned to the typical MLCT mixed with LC transitions. In frozen glass solution at 77 K and also in the powder state, these complexes exhibit green emission ranging from 440 to 540 nm with photoluminescence quantum yields of 3.3–24.4%. The emitting excited state is dominated by 3ππ* character with some contributions from 3MLCT according to the excitation spectra.