pH-Responsive luminescence sensing, photoredox catalysis and photodynamic applications of ruthenium(II) photosensitizers bearing imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline scaffolds

Abstract

Ru(II)-polypyridyl complexes supported with imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline ligand are of increasing interest as photosensitizers in different research areas. A combination of rich ground-state and excited-state physicochemical characteristics of Ru(II)-polypyridyl complexes and distinct structural features of imidazo-phenanthroline core can be exploited for potent light-driven electron and energy transfer events. In the last decade, this area has dramatically expanded for several applications of such complexes as promising therapeutic and imaging agents. In view of these efforts, the present study provides an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the design and development of imidazo-phenanthroline based Ru(II)-polypyridyl based photosensitizers for the improved photodynamic therapy (PDT), luminescence-based sensing and light-driven catalyses.