Exploring the potential of N^C^N cyclometalated Pt(II) complexes bearing 1,3-di(2-pyridyl)benzene derivatives for imaging and photodynamic therapy

In 1999, the first platinum(II) complex bearing a cyclometalated 1,3-di(2-pyridyl)benzene ligand was prepared. Since then, a lot of work has been devoted to the preparation and characterization of new members of this family, and to their use for application in photonics, optoelectronics and medicinal chemistry. The present review is an excursion on their great potential for bio-imaging and photodynamic therapy. In the introduction, the advantages of heavy metal-containing compounds as luminescent probes will be briefly given together with the important features of cyclometalated Pt(II) complexes with a 1,3-bis(pyridin-2-yl)benzene scaffold. Then, the studies car-ried out up to now with this fascinating Pt(II) family in bio-imaging and photodynamic therapy will be illus-trated. The aim of this review is to show their high potential for high resolution bio-imaging and light-activated cancer treatments.