Metal-Containing Amphiphiles: Orthometallated Iridium(III) Complexes with Substituted 6′-Phenyl-2,2′-bipyridines

The reaction of 4′-functionalized 6′-phenyl-2,2′-bipyridine ligands (L-n) with the dimer [(ppy)2IrCl]2 (ppy = 2-phenylpyridine anion) and subsequent counterion exchange affords a new series of cationic orthometallated iridium(III) complexes, [(ppy)2Ir(L-n)][PF6] (1–5), which have been characterized by spectroscopic methods. These complexes have a large shape anisotropy and significant amphiphilic character. The crystal structure of 4 has been determined by X-ray diffraction.