A series of luminescent Cu(I) mixed-ligand complexes containing 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline and simple diphosphine ligands.

A series of Cu(I) mixed-ligand complexes containing dmp (2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) and one of simple diphosphine ligands (Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2) were prepared. Among the complexes, [Cu(dppp)(dmp)]PF6 (n=3) and [Cu2(dppb)2(dmp)2](PF6)2 (n=4) were characterized by X-ray structure analyses. The dppp complex has been characterized as a mononuclear complex, while [Cu2(dppb)2(dmp)2]2+ exists as a dinuclear complex in which two dppb ligands bridge between the two Cu(I) atoms. Although the distorted tetrahedral structures around the central metals of the two complexes are similar, the P-Cu-P angles are different between the two complexes. All of the series of complexes show photoluminescence in solution, and the intensity of the luminescence increases with n (n=2-4). The non-radiative rate constants of the complexes decrease markedly with n although radiative rate constants of the complexes are similar.