Photochromic alkynylplatinum(II) diimine complexes containing a versatile dithienylethene-functionalized 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole ligand

The synthesis and incorporation of a versatile photochromic dithienylethene-containing diimine ligand, 2-(2′-pyridyl)imidazole, into platinum(II) bis-alkynyl system have been described. All the platinum(II) complexes have been successfully characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry as well as elemental analysis. One of the complexes has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. Their photochromic, photophysical and electrochemical properties have been studied. Upon photo-excitation, all the platinum(II) complexes exhibited reversible photochromism. Their photophysical and electrochemical behaviors were found to be tunable by various substituents on the ligands.