The nonionic, red-emitting complexes [Os(fppz)2L2] (L = PPh2Me (1), PPhMe2 (2)) and [Os(bptz)2L2] (L = PPh2Me (3)) were synthesized, showing highly intense red phosphorescent emission in CH2Cl2 solution at λmax 617, 632, and 649 nm, respectively. The electroluminescent properties of these compounds on OLEDs showed promising device efficiencies required for future OLED applications.

Rational design and syntheses of four iridium complexes (1-4) bearing two substituted quinoxalines and an additional 5-(2-pyridyl) pyrazolate or triazolate as the third coordinating ligand are reported. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 1 reveal a distorted octahedral geometry, in which two dpqx ligands adopt an eclipse configuration, for which the quinoxaline N atoms and the C atoms of orthometalated phenyl groups are located at the mutual trans- and cis-positions, respectively. The lowest absorption band for all complexes consists of a mixture of heavy-atom Ir(III)-enhanced 3MLCT and 3pipi* transitions, and the phosphorescent peak wavelength can be fine-tuned to cover the spectral range of 622-649 nm with high quantum efficiencies. The cyclic voltammetry was measured, showing a reversible, metal-centered oxidation with potentials at 0.76-1.03 V, as well as two reversible reduction waves with potentials ranging from -1.61 to -2.06 V, attributed to the sequential addition of two electrons to the more electron-accepting heterocyclic portion of two distinctive cyclometalated C/N ligands. Complex 1 was used as the representative example to fabricate the red-emitting PLEDs by blending it into a PVK-PBD polymer mixture. The devices exhibited the characteristic emission profile of 1 with peak maxima located at 640 nm. The maximum external quantum efficiency was 3.15% ph/el with a brightness of 1751 cd/m2 at a current density of 67.4 mA/cm2, and the maximum brightness of 7750 cd/m2 was achieved at the applied voltage of 21 V and with CIE coordinates of (0.64, 0.31).