Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2026

Accessing Valuable Ligand Supports for Transition Metals: A Modified, Intermediate Scale Preparation of 1,2,3,4,5-Pentamethylcyclopentadiene
Published on: March 20, 2017
Ultrafast excited state dynamics of cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes
Oliver G Stansfield1, Timothy U Connell1
1School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia. t.connell@deakin.edu.au.
Abstract:
Cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes boast photophysical properties that are attractive for a diverse range of applications, including optoelectronic devices, solar fuels, photoredox catalysis, chemical sensing and bioimaging. Radiative emission from the triplet excited state has received significant research attention but what occurs between photon absorption and emission is often taken for granted. In this perspective we provide a comprehensive review of 'ultrafast' excited state dynamics of these versatile phosphors, separated into the main excited state classes of iridium(III) complexes. We aim to provide a foundation of understanding for researchers innovatively applying these organometallic complexes, as well as identify open research questions and current areas of contention in the field.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Colors and Magnetism
When atoms or molecules absorb light at the proper frequency, their electrons are excited to higher-energy orbitals. For many main group atoms and molecules, the absorbed photons are in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which cannot be detected by the human eye. For coordination compounds, the energy difference between the d orbitals often allows photons in the visible range to be absorbed and emitted, which is seen as colors by the human eye.
Radical Reactivity: Intramolecular vs Intermolecular
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Thermal and Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Overview
Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
Thermal Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Thermal Activation
Conjugated systems containing an even number of π-electron pairs undergo a conrotatory ring closure. For example, thermal electrocyclization of (2E,4E)-2,4-hexadiene, a conjugated diene containing two π-electron pairs, gives trans-3,4-dimethylcyclobutene.

