Synthesis, structures, photophysical and catalytic properties of benzothienyl iridium(III) complexes

Bisbenzothienyl iridium(III) complexes, [Ir(bt)(2)(PR3)] X (bt: 2-phenylbenzo[d] thiazole, R = n-Bu or Ph, X = OTf, BF4 or SbF6) are reported, two of which, (R = n-Bu or Ph, X = OTf), have been characterised by X-ray crystallography. The complexes are thermally stable and their photophysical properties are presented, together with their catalytic activity in the borrowing hydrogen reaction of alcohols with amines.