Bodipy Based Iridium and Ruthenium Complexes: Synthesis, Photophysical and Photochemical Properties

Abstract

Abstract The design, synthesis, and characterization of novel BODPY based iridium and ruthenium complexes were reported. The structures of new compounds were fully characterized by FT-IR, MALDI-TOF Mass analysis, 1H, and 19F NMR spectroscopies. Precursor BODIPY was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique for the first time. Photophysical properties including absorption and emission profiles and fluorescence lifetimes were investigated via UV–vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. Photochemical properties were investigated via direct method and the singlet oxygen production capabilities of new complexes were determined by NIR phosphorescence methods. BODIPY-based ruthenium complex more efficient at producing 1O2 than that of the BODIPY-based iridium complex. Besides, both complexes showed more remarkable photosensitization ability than some commonly used photosensitizer based on BODIPY derivatives. This study points out that novel complexes are effective 1O2 photosensitizers that might be used for different application areas like as photodynamic therapy.