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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Iridium(III) Luminescent Probe for Detection of the Malarial Protein Biomarker Histidine Rich Protein-II
Published on: July 7, 2015
Highly selective phosphorescent chemosensor for fluoride based on an iridium(III) complex containing arylborane units
Qiang Zhao1, Fuyou Li, Shujuan Liu
1Department of Chemistry & Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, People's Republic of China.
A novel iridium(III) complex and its ligand selectively detect fluoride ions (F-) using a dimesitylboryl group. This enables naked-eye detection and acts as an ON-OFF phosphorescent chemosensor for fluoride.
Area of Science:
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes are valuable in sensing applications.
- Cyclometalated ligands offer tunable photophysical properties.
- Fluoride anion sensing remains a significant challenge in analytical chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a new phosphorescent iridium(III) complex with a dimesitylboryl-containing ligand.
- To investigate the potential of the complex and ligand as selective chemosensors for fluoride anions.
- To elucidate the sensing mechanism through photophysical and computational studies.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of the iridium(III) complex [Ir(Bpq)2(bpy)](+)PF6(-) and Bpq ligand.
- Photophysical studies including emission spectroscopy.
- Electrochemical studies.
- Molecular orbital calculations for excited-state properties.
Main Results:
- The synthesized iridium(III) complex and Bpq ligand exhibit selective interaction with fluoride ions (F(-)).
- Naked-eye detection of F(-) is achieved through distinct spectral shifts and color changes.
- The Bpq ligand shows a red-shifted emission upon F(-) complexation due to an excited-state transition switch.
- [Ir(Bpq)2(bpy)](+)PF6(-) acts as an ON-OFF phosphorescent chemosensor, with phosphorescence quenching observed upon F(-) addition.
Conclusions:
- The dimesitylboryl group is crucial for the selective recognition of fluoride ions.
- The developed iridium(III) complex and Bpq ligand are effective chemosensors for F(-) detection.
- This work presents a promising platform for developing advanced fluorescent and phosphorescent sensors for anions.
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