A triarylamine-based picolinic acid was synthesized through the Ullmann reaction and Negishi coupling reaction. Using this class of picolinic acid derivative as an auxiliary ligand and 1-phenylisoquinoline as a cyclometalated ligand, a cyclometalated iridium complex was also prepared. The intense absorption band in 391～461 nm from the metal-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition and photoluminescence peak at 609 nm were exhibited for this iridium complex in dichlomethane. Compared to bis(1-phenylisoquinolyl-N,C2’)(picolinato) iridium(III), the iridium complex containing the triarylamine-based picolinic acid displays increased MLCT transition and low oxidation potential and is expected to be a promising red phosphorescent material.

Key words: triarylamine, picolinic acid, cyclometalated iridium complex, synthesis, photoluminescence