Synthesis and Characterization of Oxetane-Functionalized Phosphorescent Ir(III)-Complexes

In order to incorporate iridium(III) complexes covalently into an oxetane-bearing hole-transporting matrix, a new oxetane-equipped acetoacetate derivative was introduced as an ancillary ligand. Model complexes with an analogical nonpolymerizable ligand were also prepared in order to perform comparative investigations. Therefore, a series of bis-cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes, showing orange (C boolean AND N-ligand, coumarin 6) and green (C boolean AND N-ligand, phenylpyridine) emission were synthesized and fully characterized. The emission maxima are 569 nm for the orange and 518 nm for the green-emitting Ir(III) complexes. Entirely solution processed devices, based on crosslinkable hole-conductors, partially doped with the described orange and green Ir(III) emitters, respectively, were fabricated and tested.