Abstract:
In the present invention, novel synthetic processes for preparing luminescent iridium complexes and precursors thereof are provided. The method employs water as the reaction solvent to prepare luminescent iridium complexes in two different ways. In the first way, a precursor [Ir 2 (C 11 NR 8 ) 4 I 2 ] (Formula I) is prepared from one of IrCl 3 , M 3 IrCl 6  (M=Li, Na, K) and [Ir 2 (C 11 NR 8 ) 4 Cl 2 ], and then the precursor [Ir 2 (C 11 NR 8 ) 4 I 2 ] is converted into luminescent iridium complexes [Ir(C 11 NR 8 ) 2 (C 11 NR′ 8 )] (Formula II). In the second way, a metal complex IrCl 3  or M 3 IrCl 6  (M=Li, Na, K), HC 11 NR 8  and a base are converted directly into the iridium complexes [Ir(C 11 NR 8 ) 3 ] (Formula VIII). Herein, R and R′ are defined the same as the specification.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefits of the Taiwan Patent Application Serial Number 099111329, filed on Apr. 12, 2010, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to novel synthetic processes for preparing complexes and, more particularly, to novel synthetic processes for preparing luminescent iridium complexes and precursors thereof. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    In addition to inorganic light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) made of organic materials have attracted a great deal of attention for lightening and display applications, and have been applied in many products, such as mobile phones, liquid crystal displays, flexible displays etc., owing to their low cost, reduced weight, compact volume, low operating voltage and flexibility. 
         [0006]    Like conventional inorganic light emitting diodes (LEDs), electrons and holes, formed in OLEDs under electric fields generated by applying voltage, will move towards the cathode and the anode, respectively, and then recombine in an organic layer to form excitons capable of radiatively relaxing from their excited state to the ground state. 
         [0007]    The wavelength of light emitted from OLEDs depends on energy gap between HOMO and LUMO of emissive organic materials applied in OLEDs. Compounds capable of emitting phosphorescent light include transition metal complexes, such as osmium complexes, iridium complexes, platinum complexes, ruthenium complexes, rhodium complexes etc., which exhibit enhanced luminescence efficiency and have reduced half-life period of phosphorescence. 
         [0008]    Among these transition metal complexes, iridium complexes can show high phosphorescence emission at room temperature, and the tris-cyclometalated iridium complex, fac-[Ir(ppy) 3 ], is one of the best green phosphorescent materials and can be used as a phosphorescent dopant in an emissive layer of an OLED. Tamayo et al. (Tamayo et al., 2003) published synthesis of fac-[Ir(ppy) 3 ], in which fac-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] was synthesized by reacting [Ir(acac) 3 ] with 2-phenylpyridine (Hppy) (about 3-3.5 equivalents) in an organic solvent by heating under reflux of glycerol. After using a silica-gel chromatographic column, fac-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] can be obtained in a yield of 45-60%. In addition, mer-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] displays similar luminescent behavior to that of fac-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] and can also be used as a phosphorescent dopant in an emissive layer of an OLED. Tamayo et al. (Tamayo et al., 2003) published synthesis of mer-[Ir(ppy) 3 ], in which mer-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] was synthesized by reacting [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 Cl 2 ] with K 2 CO 3  (5-10 equivalents) and 2-phenylpyridine (Hppy) (about 2-2.5 equivalents) in an organic solvent by heating under reflux of glycerol. After using a silica-gel chromatographic column, mer-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] can be obtained in a yield of 68-80%. 
         [0009]    Therefore, it is desirable to provide easily operated synthetic processes for preparing luminescent iridium complexes, fac-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] and mer-[Ir(ppy) 3 ], in a satisfactory yield better than 85% without using a chromatographic column for purification. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The object of the present invention is to provide novel synthetic processes for preparing iridium complexes in which water is used as a reaction solvent. Unlike conventional synthesis, no organic solvent is used for the novel synthesis provided by the present invention. Additionally, the novel synthesis provided by the present invention is advantageous in easy separation of products and high yield. 
         [0011]    To achieve the object, the present invention provides a novel synthetic process for preparing a compound represented by the following formula (II), 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0012]    including a step of reacting a compound of the following formula (I), and a compound of the following formula (III) in water, 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0013]    wherein each of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 , R 1 , R′ 2 , R′ 3 , R′ 4 , R′ 5 , R′ 6 , R′ 7  and R′ 8 , independently, is hydrogen, deuterium, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or aryl; or R x  and R x+1  taken together is alkylene, alkenylene, haloalkylene or haloalkenylene, x being an integer of 1 to 7; or R′ y  and R′ y−1  taken together is alkylene, alkenylene, haloalkylene or haloalkenylene, y being an integer of 1 to 7. 
         [0014]    Accordingly, the present invention can synthesize the luminescent iridium complex of the formula (II) by the reaction between the precursor of the formula (I) and the compound of the formula (III) in water and the obtained product of the formula (II) may be a mixture of two isomers represented by the following formulas (IV) and (V), or one of two isomers in whole or in majority by controlling reaction temperature, 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0015]    The present invention further provides a process for preparing the precursor of the formula (I), 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0016]    including a step of reacting IrCl 3  or M 3 IrCl 6  with MI and a compound of the following formula (VI) in water, or reacting a compound of the following formula (VII) with MI in water, 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0017]    wherein 
         [0018]    M is Li, Na or K; and 
         [0019]    each of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7  and R 8 , independently, is hydrogen, deuterium, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or aryl; or R x  and R x+1  taken together is alkylene alkenylene, haloalkylene or haloalkenylene, x being an integer of 1 to 7. 
         [0020]    Accordingly, the present invention can synthesize the precursor of the formula (I) in water and the precursor can be used as a starting material for a next step to synthesize the above-mentioned luminescent iridium complex of the formula (II), as a two-step synthetic process for preparing luminescent iridium complexes. 
         [0021]    In addition, the present invention further provides another novel synthetic process for preparing a compound represented by the following formula (VIII), 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0022]    including a step of reacting IrCl 3  or M 3 IrCl 6  with a base and a compound of the following formula (VI) in water, 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0023]    wherein 
         [0024]    M is Li, Na or K; and 
         [0025]    each of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7  and R 8 , independently, is hydrogen, deuterium, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or aryl; or R x  and R x+1  taken together is alkylene, alkenylene, haloalkylene or haloalkenylene, x being an integer of 1 to 7. 
         [0026]    Accordingly, the present invention can directly synthesize the luminescent iridium complex of the formula (VIII) in water by a one-step process and the obtained product of the formula (VIII) may be a mixture of two isomers represented by the following formulas (IX) and (X), or one of two isomers in whole or in majority by controlling the amount of the base relative to that of IrCl 3  or M 3 IrCl 6 , 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0027]    In the present invention, the base may be any organic base or any inorganic base. 
         [0028]    In the present invention, the term “alkyl” refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon. Examples of alkyl include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, and t-butyl. 
         [0029]    In the present invention, the term “haloalkyl” refers to alkyl substituted by one or more halogen atoms. Examples of haloalkyl include, but are not limited to, —CF 3 , —CBr 3  and —CCl 3 . 
         [0030]    In the present invention, the term “alkoxy” refers to —O-alkyl. Examples of alkoxy include, but are not limited to, —OCH 3 , —OCH 2 CH 3  and —OCH 2 CH 2 CH 3 . 
         [0031]    In the present invention, the term “alkylene” refers to a straight or branched divalent hydrocarbon. Examples of alkylene include, but are not limited to, methylene (—CH 2 ), ethylene (—CH 2 CH 2 —), and i-propylene (—CHCH 3 CH 2 —). 
         [0032]    In the present invention, the term “haloalkylene” refers to alkylene substituted by one or more halogen atoms. Examples of haloalkylene include, but are not limited to, —CF 2 —, —CBr 2 — and —CCl 2 —. 
         [0033]    In the present invention, the term “alkenyl” refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon containing one or more double bonds. Examples of alkenyl include, but are not limited to, ethenyl, propenyl, allyl, and 1,4-butadienyl. 
         [0034]    In the present invention, the term “haloalkenyl” refers to alkenyl substituted by one or more halogen atoms. Examples of haloalkenyl include, but are not limited to, —CH 2 ═CF 2 , —CH 2 ═CBr 2  and —CH 2 ═CCl 2 . 
         [0035]    In the present invention, the term “alkenoxy” refers to O-alkenyl. Examples of alkenoxy include, but are not limited to, —OCH 2 CH═CH 2 , —OCH 2 CH 2 CH═CH 2  and —OCH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH═CH 2 . 
         [0036]    In the present invention, the term “alkenylene” refers to a straight or branched divalent hydrocarbon containing one or more double bonds. Examples of alkenylene include, but are not limited to, vinylene, and propenylene. 
         [0037]    In the present invention, the term “haloalkenylene” refers to alkenylene substituted by one or more halogen atoms. Examples of haloalkenylene include, but are not limited to, —CH 2 ═CF—, —CH 2 ═CBr— and —CH 2 ═CCl—. 
         [0038]    In the present invention, the term “alkynyl” refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon containing one or more triple bonds. Examples of alkynyl include, but are not limited to, ethynyl, propynyl and butynyl. 
         [0039]    In the present invention, the term “haloalkynyl” refers to alkynyl substituted by one or more halogen atoms. Examples of haloalkynyl include, but are not limited to, —C≡CF, —C≡CRr and —C≡CCl. 
         [0040]    In the present invention, the term “alkynoxy” refers to O-alkynyl. Examples of alkenoxy include, but are not limited to, —OCH 2 C≡CH, —OCH 2 CH 2 C≡CH and —OCH 2 CH 2 CH 2 C≡CH. 
         [0041]    In the present invention, the term “cycloalkyl” refers to a saturated hydrocarbon ring system, which may be a 5-carbon monocyclic, 10-carbon bicyclic, 14-carbon tricyclic ring system. Examples of cycloalkyl include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl. 
         [0042]    In the present invention, the term “cycloalkenyl” refers to a non-aromatic hydrocarbon ring system containing one or more double bonds, which may be a 5-carbon monocyclic, 10-carbon bicyclic, 14-carbon tricyclic ring system. Examples of cycloalkenyl include, but are not limited to, cyclopentenyl and cycloheptenyl. 
         [0043]    In the present invention, the term “aryl” refers to an aromatic ring system, which may be a 6-carbon monocyclic, 10-carbon bicyclic, 14-carbon tricyclic aromatic ring system. Examples of aryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, and anthracenyl. 
         [0044]    The above-mentioned alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, alkylene, alkenylene, haloalkylene and haloalkenylene include both substituted and unsubstituted moieties. The term “substituted” refers to one or more substituents (which may be the same or different), each replacing a hydrogen atom. 
         [0045]    Examples of substituents for alkyl, haloalkyl, alkylene and haloalkylene include, but are not limited to, hydroxyl, amino, alkylamino, arylamino, dialkylamino, diarylamino, cyano, nitro, mercapto, carbonyl, carbamido, carbamyl, carboxyl, thiocyanato, sulfoamido, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, CO 2 -alkyl and CO 2 -alkenyl. 
         [0046]    Examples of substituents for alkenyl, haloalkenyl, alkenylene, and haloalkenylene include, but are not limited to, hydroxyl, amino, alkylamino, arylamino, dialkylamino, diarylamino, cyano, nitro, mercapto, carbonyl, carbamido, carbamyl, carboxyl, thiocyanato, sulfoamido, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, CO 2 -alkyl and CO 2 -alkenyl. 
         [0047]    Examples of substituents for alkynyl and haloalkynyl include, but are not limited to, hydroxyl, amino, alkylamino, arylamino, dialkylamino, diarylamino, cyano, nitro, mercapto, carbonyl, carbamido, carbamyl, carboxyl, thiocyanato, sulfoamido, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, CO 2 -alkyl and CO 2 -alkenyl. 
         [0048]    Examples of substituents for alkoxy include, but are not limited to, halogen (such as F, Cl, Br or I), hydroxyl, amino, alkylamino, arylamino, dialkylamino, diarylamino, cyano, nitro, mercapto, carbonyl, carbamido, carbamyl, carboxyl, thiocyanato, sulfoamido, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, CO 2 -alkyl and CO 2 -alkenyl. 
         [0049]    Examples of substituents for alkenoxy, include, but are not limited to, halogen (such as F, Cl, Br or I), hydroxyl, amino, alkylamino, arylamino, dialkylamino, diarylamino, cyano, nitro, mercapto, carbonyl, carbamido, carbamyl, carboxyl, thiocyanato, sulfoamido, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, CO 2 -alkyl and CO 2 -alkenyl. 
         [0050]    Examples of substituents for alkynoxy, include, but are not limited to, halogen (such as F, Cl, Br or I), hydroxyl, amino, alkylamino, arylamino, dialkylamino, diarylamino, cyano, nitro, mercapto, carbonyl, carbamido, carbamyl, carboxyl, thiocyanato, sulfoamido, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, CO 2 -alkyl and CO 2 -alkenyl. 
         [0051]    Examples of substituents for cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl and aryl include, but are not limited to, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen (such as F, Cl, Br or I), hydroxyl, amino, alkylamino, arylamino, dialkylamino, diarylamino, cyano, nitro, mercapto, carbonyl, carbamido, carbamyl, carboxyl, thiocyanato, sulfoamido, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, CO 2 -alkyl and CO 2 -alkenyl. 
         [0052]    Regarding the formulas (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V), (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX) and (X), preferably, each of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 , R′ 1 , R′ 2 , R′ 3 , R′ 4 , R′ 5 , R′ 6 , R′ 7  and R′ 8 , independently, is hydrogen, deuterium, C 1-30  alkyl, C 2-30  alkenyl, C 2-30  alkynyl, halogen, C 1-30  alkoxy, C 2-30  alkenoxy, C 2-30  alkynoxy, C 1-30  haloalkyl, C 2-30  haloalkenyl, C 2-30  haloalkynyl, C 5-14  cycloalkyl, C 5-14  cycloalkenyl or C 6-14  aryl; or R x  and R x+1  taken together is C 3-12  alkylene, C 3-12  alkenylene, C 3-12  haloalkylene or C 3-12  haloalkenylene, x being an integer of 1 to 3 or 5 to 7; or R 4  and R 5  taken together is C 1-10  alkylene, C 2-10  alkenylene, C 1-10  haloalkylene or C 2-10  haloalkenylene; or R′ y  and R′ y+1  taken together is C 3-12  alkylene, C 3-12  alkenylene, C 3-12  haloalkylene or C 3-12  haloalkenylene, y being an integer of 1 to 3 or 5 to 7; or R′ 4  and R′ 5  taken together is C 1-10  alkylene, C 2-10  alkenylene, C 1-10  haloalkylene or C 2-10  haloalkenylene. 
         [0053]    Regarding the formulas (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V), (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX) and (X), more preferably, each of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 , R′ 1 , R′ 2 , R′ 3 , R′ 4 , R′ 5 , R′ 6 , R′ 7  and R′ 8 , independently, is hydrogen, deuterium, C 1-10  alkyl, C 2-10  alkenyl, C 2-10  alkynyl, halogen, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy, C 2-10  alkynoxy, C 1-10  haloalkyl, C 2-10  haloalkenyl, C 2-10  haloalkynyl, C 5-10  cycloalkyl, C 5-10  cycloalkenyl or C 6-10  aryl; or R x  and R x+1  taken together is C 3-8  alkylene, C 3-8  alkenylene, C 3-8  haloalkylene or C 3-8  haloalkenylene, x being an integer of 1 to 3 or 5 to 7; or R 4  and R 5  taken together is C 1-6  alkylene, C 2-6  alkenylene, C 1-6  haloalkylene or C 2-6  haloalkenylene; or R′ y  and R′ y+1  taken together is C 3-8  alkylene, C 3-8  alkenylene, C 3-8  haloalkylene or C 3-8  haloalkenylene, y being an integer of 1 to 3 or 5 to 7; or R′ 4  and R′ 5  taken together is C 1-6  alkylene, C 2-6  alkenylene, C 1-6  haloalkylene or C 2-6  haloalkenylene. 
         [0054]    Regarding the formulas (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V), (VI), (VII), (VIII), (IX) and (X), most preferably, 
         [0055]    each of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 , R′ 1 , R′ 2 , R′ 3 , R′ 4 , R′ 5 , R′ 6 , R′ 7  and R′ 8 , independently, is hydrogen; deuterium; halogen; unsubstituted or substituted C 1-10  alkyl by one or more of C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy; unsubstituted or substituted C 2-10  alkenyl by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy; unsubstituted or substituted C 2-10  alkynyl by one or more of C 2-10  alkenyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy; unsubstituted or substituted C 1-10  alkoxy by one or more of halogen, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy; unsubstituted or substituted C 2-10  alkenoxy by one or more of halogen, C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy; unsubstituted or substituted C 2-10  alkynoxy by one or more of halogen, C 2-10  alkenyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy; unsubstituted or substituted C 1-10  haloalkyl by one or more of C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy; unsubstituted or substituted C 2-10  haloalkenyl by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy; unsubstituted or substituted C 2-10  haloalkynyl by one or more of C 2-10  alkenyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy; unsubstituted or substituted C 5-10  cycloalkyl by one or more of halogen, C 1-10  alkyl, C 2-10  alkenyl, C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  haloalkyl, C 2-10  haloalkenyl, C 2-10  haloalkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy; unsubstituted or substituted C 5-10  cycloalkenyl by one or more of halogen, C 1-10  alkyl, C 2-10  alkenyl, C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  haloalkyl, C 2-10  haloalkenyl, C 2-10  haloalkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy; or unsubstituted or substituted C 6-10  aryl by one or more of halogen, C 1-10  alkyl, C 2-10  alkenyl, C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  haloalkyl, C 2-10  haloalkenyl, C 2-10  haloalkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy; or 
         [0056]    R x  and R x+1  (x being an integer of 1 to 3 or 5 to 7) taken together is unsubstituted or substituted C 3-5  alkylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 5-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R x  and R x+1 ; unsubstituted or substituted C 3-5  alkenylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 5-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R x  and R x+1 ; unsubstituted or substituted C 3-5  haloalkylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 5-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R x  and R x+1 ; or unsubstituted or substituted C 3-5  haloalkenylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 5-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R x  and R x+1 ; or 
         [0057]    R 4  and R 5  taken together is unsubstituted or substituted C 1-3  alkylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 5-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R 4  and R 5  and two carbons adjacent to the two carbons bonded to R 4  and R 5 ; unsubstituted or substituted C 2-3  alkenylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 6-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R 4  and R 5  and two carbons adjacent to the two carbons bonded to R 4  and R 5 ; unsubstituted or substituted C 1-3  haloalkylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 5-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R 4  and R 5  and two carbons adjacent to the two carbons bonded to R 4  and R 5 ; or unsubstituted or substituted C 2-3  haloalkenylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 6-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R 4  and R 5  and two carbons adjacent to the two carbons bonded to R 4  and R 5 ; or 
         [0058]    R′ y  and R′ y+1  (y being an integer of 1 to 3 or 5 to 7) taken together is unsubstituted or substituted C 3-5  alkylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 5-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R′ y  and R′ y+1 ; unsubstituted or substituted C 3-5  alkenylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 5-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R′ y  and R′ y+1 ; unsubstituted or substituted C 3-5  haloalkylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 5-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R′ y  and R′ y+1 ; or unsubstituted or substituted C 3-5  haloalkenylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 5-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R′ y  and R′ y+1 ; or 
         [0059]    R′ 4  and R′ 5  taken together is unsubstituted or substituted C 1-3  alkylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 5-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R′ 4  and R′ 5  and two carbons adjacent to the two carbons bonded to R′ 4  and R′ 5 ; unsubstituted or substituted C 2-3  alkenylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 6-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R′ 4  and R′ 5  and two carbons adjacent to the two carbons bonded to R′ 4  and R′ 5 ; unsubstituted or substituted C 1-3  haloalkylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 5-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R′ 4  and R′ 5  and two carbons adjacent to the two carbons bonded to R′ 4  and R′ 5 ; or unsubstituted or substituted C 2-3  haloalkenylene by one or more of C 2-10  alkynyl, C 1-10  alkoxy, C 2-10  alkenoxy and C 2-10  alkynoxy thus forming a 6-7 membered ring with two carbons bonded to R′ 4  and R′ 5  and two carbons adjacent to the two carbons bonded to R′ 4  and R′ 5 . 
         [0060]    Examples of the formula (I) include, but are not limited to, 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0061]    Examples of the formulas (III) and (VI) include, but are not limited to, 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0062]    Accordingly, the present invention provides a novel one-step or two-step synthetic process for preparing luminescent iridium complexes in which water is used as a reaction solvent. Unlike conventional synthesis, no organic solvent is used for the novel synthetic synthesis provided by the present invention. Additionally, the novel synthetic synthesis provided by the present invention is advantageous in easy separation of products and high yield. 
         [0063]    Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     None 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0064]    A better understanding of the present invention may be obtained in light of the following Examples which are set forth to illustrate, but are not to be construed to limit the present invention. 
         [0065]    As a two-step synthesis, precursors of [Ir 2 (C 11 NR 8 ) 4 I 2 ] were first prepared from IrCl 3 , M 3 IrCl 6  or complexes of [Ir 2 (C 11 NR 8 ) 4 Cl 2 ] and then final luminescent iridium complexes of [Ir(C 11 NR 8 ) 2 (C 11 NR′ 8 )] were synthesized from the precursors. Herein, the prepared [Ir(C 11 NR 8 ) 2 (C 11 NR′ 8 )] may be a mixture of two isomers, fac-[Ir(C 11 NR 8 ) 2 (C 11 NR′ 8 )] and mer-[Ir(C 11 NR 8 ) 2 (C 11 NR′ 8 )], or be one of two isomers in whole or in majority by controlling reaction temperature. 
       Synthesis of [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 I 2 ] 
       [0066]    A precursor of [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 I 2 ] was prepared by reacting IrCl 3  or M 3 IrCl 6  with KI and 2-phenylpyridine (Hppy), or reacting a complex of [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 Cl 2 ] with KI as follows. Herein, M is one of Li, Na and K, and ppy is 2-phenylpyridyl. 
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       Example 1 
       [0067]    IrCl 3  (0.052 g, 0.15 mmole), KI (0.125 g, 0.75 mmole) and 2-phenylpyridine (0.1 ml) were placed in a Teflon-lined autoclave, and then deionized water (10 ml) was added thereto. Subsequently, the autoclave was sealed and heated to perform reaction for 22 hours in an oven at 150° C. Finally, solids collected on a filter paper were washed with deionized water (30 ml) and recrystallized from dichloromethane/hexane to obtain a product of 0.083 g in a yield of 88%. 
       Example 2 
       [0068]    An Na 3 IrCl 6  aqueous solution containing Na 3 IrCl 6  (0.15 mmol) and deionized water (10 ml) was placed in a Teflon-lined autoclave, and then KI (0.343 g, 2.07 mmole) and 2-phenylpyridine (0.1 ml) were added thereto. Subsequently, the autoclave was sealed and heated to perform reaction for 24 hours in an oven at 150° C. Finally, solids collected on a filter paper were washed with deionized water (30 ml) and recrystallized from dichloromethane/hexane to obtain a product of 0.086 g in a yield of 91%. 
         [0069]    The present example also replaced the Na 3 IrCl 6  aqueous solution with other suitable aqueous solutions, such as Li 3 IrCl 6  aqueous solution or K 3 IrCl 6  aqueous solution, to perform the above-mentioned reaction with KI and 2-phenylpyridine, thus obtaining the product of [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 I 2 ]. 
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       Example 3 
       [0070]    [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 Cl 2 ] (0.038 g, 0.035 mmole) and KI (0.583 g, 0.35 mmole, 10 equivalents) were placed in a Teflon-lined autoclave, and then deionized water (10 ml) was added thereto. Subsequently, the autoclave was sealed and heated to perform reaction for 24 hours in an oven at 150° C. Finally, solids collected on a filter paper were washed with deionized water (30 ml) and recrystallized from dichloromethane/hexane to obtain a product mixture of [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 ClI] and [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 I 2 ]. 
         [0071]    The present example also used KI in an amount of 20, 30 or 40 equivalents to perform the above-mentioned process, and ratios obtained for the unreacted compound, [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 Cl 2 ], and two products were determined from the integrals of  1 H NMR spectra (Table 1). 
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                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 KI (equivs.) 
                 [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 I 2 ] 
                 [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 Cl 2 ] 
                 [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 ClI] 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 10 
                 0.279% 
                 0.553% 
                 0.168% 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 0.784% 
                 0.085% 
                 0.131% 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 0.188% 
                 0.637% 
                 0.175% 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 0.045% 
                 0.851% 
                 0.104% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0072]    By using various reactants, various products can be synthesized as follows. 
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         [0073]    Herein, M is Li, Na or K; and each of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7  and R 8 , independently, is hydrogen, deuterium, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or aryl; or R x  and R x+1  taken together is alkylene, alkenylene, haloalkylene or haloalkenylene, x being an integer of 1 to 7. 
         [0074]    Examples of [Ir 2 (C 11 NR 8 ) 4 I 2 ] include, but are not limited to, 
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       Synthesis of [Ir(ppy) 3 ] 
       [0075]    A luminescent organic complex of [Ir(ppy) 3 ] can be obtained by reacting the precursor of [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 I 2 ], prepared by Examples 1-3 with 2-phenylpyridine. Herein, the prepared [Ir(ppy) 3 ] may be a mixture of two isomers, fac-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] and mer-[Ir(ppy) 3 ], or one of two isomers in whole or in majority. 
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       Example 4 
     Synthesis of mer-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] 
       [0076]    [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 I 2 ] (0.0740 g, 0.059 mmole) and 2-phenylpyridine (0.08 ml, 0.54 mmol) were placed in a Teflon-lined autoclave, and then deionized water (10 ml) was added thereto. Subsequently, the autoclave was sealed and heated to perform reaction for 20 hours in an oven at 150° C. After cooling, solids were collected, on a filter paper, washed with deionized water (50 ml) and recrystallized from dichloromethane/hexane to obtain a yellow product mer-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] of 0.0672 g in a yield of 87%. 
       Example 5 
     Synthesis of fac-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] 
       [0077]    [Ir 2 (ppy) 4 I 2 ] (0.0623 g, 0.050 mmole) and 2-phenylpyridine (0.08 ml, 0.54 mmol) were placed in a Teflon-lined autoclave, and then deionized water (10 ml) was added thereto. Subsequently, the autoclave was sealed and heated to perform reaction for 24 hours in an oven at 200° C. After cooling, solids were collected on a filter paper, washed with deionized water (50 ml) and recrystallized from dichloromethane/hexane to obtain a yellow product fac-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] of 0.0576 g in a yield of 88%. 
       Example 6 
     Synthesis of fac-[Ir(tpy) 3 ] 
       [0078]    [Ir 2 (tpy) 4 I 2 ] (0.0326 g, 0.025 mmole) and Htpy (0.0110 g, 0.06 mmole) were placed in a Teflon-lined autoclave, and then deionized water (10 ml) was added thereto. Subsequently, the autoclave was sealed and heated to perform reaction for 24 hours in an oven at 150° C. After cooling, solids were collected on a filter paper, washed with deionized water (50 ml) and recrystallized from dichloromethane/hexane to obtain a yellow product fac-[Ir(tpy) 3 ] of 0.0311 g in a yield of 89%. 
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         [0079]    By using various reactants, various products can be synthesized as follows. 
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         [0080]    Herein, each of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 , R′ 1 , R′ 2 , R′ 3 , R′ 4 , R′ 5 , R′ 6 , R′ 7  and R′ 8 , independently, is hydrogen, deuterium, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halogen, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, haloalkyl, haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or aryl; or R x  and R x+1  taken together is alkylene, alkenylene, haloalkylene or haloalkenylene, x being an integer of 1 to 7; or R′ y  and R′ y+1  taken together is alkylene, alkenylene, haloalkylene or haloalkenylene, y being an integer of 1 to 7. 
         [0081]    As an one-step synthesis, luminescent iridium complexes of [Ir(C 11 NR 8 ) 3 ] were directly prepared from a complex of IrCl 3  or M 3 IrCl 6  (M is Li, Na or K) in the presence of a base. Herein, the prepared [Ir(C 11 NR 8 ) 3 ] may be a mixture of two isomers, fac-[Ir(C 11 NR 8 ) 3 ], and mer-[Ir(C 11 NR 8 ) 3 ], or one of two isomers in whole or in majority by controlling the amount of the base relative to that of IrCl 3  or M 3 IrCl 6  as follows. 
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       Example 7 
     Synthesis of mer-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] by Using an Organic Base 
       [0082]    IrCl 3  (24.1 mg, 0.068 mmole), 2-phenylpyridine (33.9 mg, 0.212 mmole) and Ph 2 NH (86.2 mg, 0.415 mmole) were placed in a Teflon-lined autoclave, and then deionized water (10 ml) was added thereto. Subsequently, the autoclave was sealed and heated to perform reaction for 24 hours in an oven at 200° C. After cooling, filtration was performed via a filter funnel, and collected solids are washed with large amount of water, and then recrystallized from dichloromethane/hexane. Yellow powder of 0.039 g in a yield of 87% was obtained after drying. 
       Example 8 
     Synthesis of fac-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] by Using an Organic Base 
       [0083]    IrCl 3  (22.5 mg, 0.064 mmole), 2-phenylpyridine (31.6 mg, 0.200 mmole) and Ph 2 NH (39.8 mg, 0.192 mmol) were placed in a Teflon-lined autoclave, and then deionized water (10 ml) was added thereto. Subsequently, the autoclave was sealed and heated to perform reaction for 48 hours in an oven at 200° C. After cooling, filtration was performed via a filter funnel, and collected solids were washed with large amount of water and then recrystallized from dichloromethane/hexane. Yellow powder of 0.0361 g in a yield of 86% was obtained after drying. 
       Example 9 
     Synthesis of fac-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] by Using an Inorganic Base 
       [0084]    IrCl 3  (22.5 mg, 0.064 mmole), 2-phenylpyridine (31.5 mg, 0.212 mmole) and Na 2 CO 3  (10.4 mg, 0.098 mmole) were placed in a Teflon-lined autoclave, and then deionized water (10 ml) was added thereto. Subsequently, the autoclave was sealed and heated to perform reaction for 48 hours in an oven at 200° C. After cooling, filtration was performed via a filter funnel, and collected solids were washed with large amount of water and then recrystallized from dichloromethane/hexane. Yellow powder of 0.0373 g in a yield of 89% was obtained after drying. 
       Example 10 
     Synthesis of mer-[Ir(ppy) 3 ] by Using an Inorganic Base 
       [0085]    IrCl 3  (23.3 mg, 0.066 mmole), 2-phenylpyridine (33.6 mg, 0.212 mmole) and Na 2 CO 3  (21.0 mg, 0.198 mmole) were placed in a Teflon-lined autoclave, and then deionized water (10 ml) was added thereto. Subsequently, the autoclave was sealed and heated to perform reaction for 24 hours in an oven at 150° C. After cooling, filtration was performed via a filter funnel, and collected solids were washed with large amount of water and recrystallized from dichloromethane/hexane. Yellow powder of 0.0375 g in a yield of 87% was obtained after drying. 
         [0086]    By using various reactants, various products can be synthesized as follows. 
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         [0087]    Herein, M is Na, Li or K; and each of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7  and R 8 , independently, is hydrogen, deuterium, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or aryl; or R x  and R x+1  taken together is alkylene alkenylene, haloalkylene or haloalkenylene, x being an integer of 1 to 7. 
         [0088]    Although the present invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.