Design, Synthesis and Photophysical Characterisation of N-Containing Organic Emitters and Their Metal Complexes

This study aimed to design novel N-containing heterocyclic compounds, utilising different synthetic strategies to tune the photophysical properties of these compounds. This research was focussed on three families of compounds: indoles, hydrazones and phenanthrolines. Hydrazones were proved to be useful precursors for the preparation of the bis(indoyl) derivatives via a double Fischer indole synthesis. Structural modifications and their effect on the photophysical properties were studied. Also, the pH response and metal sensing ability of these compounds were investigated. Despite the popularity of research involving indoles, a vast majority focusses on the development of new materials via functionalisation of the C-2 position. This thesis described two different strategies to modulate the photophysical properties of materials through a) structural modification of the organic framework aimed at altering its electron distribution and b) a use of metals aimed at the formation of organometallic complexes. Finally, the synthesis of five novel phenanthroline ligands was explored using two different strategies. Photophysical properties of the novel phenanthroline derivatives were investigated. Also, the synthesis of Ir(III) phenanthroline complexes was carried out and their photophysical properties were evaluated.