Synthesis of Re(I) complexes bearing tridentate 2,6-bis(7′-azaindolyl)phenyl ligand with green emission properties

Abstract The Re(I) complexes bearing 2,6-bis(7 ′ -azaindolyl)phenyl ligand as a tridentate ligand were synthesized by treatment with Re 2 (CO) 10 . The structures of the complexes were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Both 7-azaindolyl ligands of Re(I) complexes are present in butterfly forms. The Re–C ipso bonds showed a partial double bond character by π back-donation between the phenyl moiety and Re atom. In THF solution at room temperature, these complexes exhibited green emission ( λ em =510 nm), which is considered to be attributable to MLCT (dz 2 (Re) →π * (7 ′ -azaindolyl group)) transition containing π→π * (7 ′ -azaindolyl group) transition.