Tuning iridium(III) phenylpyridine complexes in the “almost blue” region

We report on the synthesis and photophysical properties of blue emitting iridium(III) complexes. The use of a negatively charged ligand, such as a triazolyl pyridine, allows a facile preparation, maintaining the high energy emission (blue region) of hetero-leptic complexes. We discuss the role played by electron withdrawing substituents of a different nature and also how the substitution position of the same group influences the spectroscopical behaviour.