Development of Dual Phosphorescent Materials Based on Multiple Stimuli-Responsive Ir(III) Acyclic Carbene Complexes

A new series of Ir(III) carbene complexes with luminescent mechanochromism derived from trans–cis isomerization has been developed. Through the introduction of π-conjugating groups into the acyclic carbene ligand, the mechanochromic trans- and cis-configurations can be readily interconverted, leading to dual emissive properties in the solid state. Moreover, the solid- or film-forming solvent system can control the dual emission and mechanoresponsive properties in the solid state. The potential uses of a single emissive complex to develop multicolor emissive and multiple stimuli-responsive films have been studied.