A redox-fluorescent molecular switch based on a heterobimetallic Ir(III) complex with a ferrocenyl azaheterocycle as ancillary ligand

The synthesis, electronic and spectroelectrochemical studies of a cyclometalated heteroleptic Ir(III) complex containing a redox active ferrocenyl imidazophenanthroline ancillary ligand, is presented. Depending on the oxidation state of the ferrocene, controlled by external electrochemical stimuli, the emission fluorescence intensity of this bistable heterometallic complex can be modulated.