1,2,4-Triazines in the Synthesis of Bipyridine Bisphenolate ONNO Ligands and Their Highly Luminescent Tetradentate Pt(II) Complexes for Solution-Processable OLEDs

This article describes a convenient method for the synthesis of ONNO-type tetradentate 6,6′-bis(2-phenoxy)-2,2′-bipyridine (bipyridine bisphenolate, BpyBph) ligands and their platinum(II) complexes. The methodology includes the synthesis of 1,2,4-triazine precursors followed by their transformation to functionalized pyridines by the Boger reaction. Two complementary routes employing 3,3′- and 5,5′-bis-triazines allow a modification of the central pyridine rings in different positions, which was exemplified by the introduction of cyclopentene rings. The new ligands were used to prepare highly luminescent ONNO-type Pt(II) complexes. The position of the cyclopentene rings significantly influences the solubility and photophysical properties of these complexes. Derivatives with closely positioned cyclopentene rings are soluble in organic solvents and proved to be the best candidate for solution-processable organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs), showing efficient single-dopant candlelight electroluminescence.