DFT/TD-DFT Framework of Mixed-Metal Complexes with Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Bridging Ligands—Step-By-Step Investigations: Mononuclear, Dinuclear Homometallic, and Heterometallic for Optoelectronic Applications

Abstract

Recently, mono- and dinuclear complexes have been in the interest of scientists due to their potential application in optoelectronics. Herein, progressive theoretical investigations starting from mononuclear followed by homo- and heterometallic dinuclear osmium and/or ruthenium complexes with NCN-cyclometalating bridging ligands substituted by one or two kinds of heteroaryl groups (pyrazol-1-yl and 4-(2,2-dimethylpropyloxy)pyrid-2-yl) providing the short/long axial symmetry or asymmetry are presented. Step-by-step information about the particular part that built the mixed-metal complexes is crucial to understanding their behavior and checking the necessity of their eventual studies. Evaluation by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations allowed gaining information about the frontier orbitals, energy gaps, and physical parameters of complexes and their oxidized forms. Through time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), calculations showed the optical properties, with a particular emphasis on the nature of low-energy bands. The presented results are a clear indication for other scientists in the field of chemistry and materials science.