Phosphorescent biaryl platinum(iv) complexes obtained through double metalation of dibenzoiodolium ions

The first series of neutral, tris-chelate, phosphorecent Pt(iv) complexes is reported, which combine two cyclometalated 2-arylpyridine ligands and a dimetalated biaryl. The introduction of biaryl ligands is achieved under mild conditions through the oxidative addition of dibenzoiodolium ions to Pt(ii) precursors to give Pt(iv) intermediates with a singly metalated 2-(2-iodoaryl)aryl ligand, followed by the reductive metalation of the C–I bond. The modulation of emission characteristics via derivatization of both types of ligands is demonstrated.