Si(bzimpy)2 – a hexacoordinate silicon pincer complex for electron transport and electroluminescence

A neutral hexacoordinate silicon complex containing two 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2′-yl)pyridine (bzimpy) ligands has been synthesized and explored as a potential electron transport layer and electroluminescent layer in organic electronic devices. The air and water stable complex is fluorescent in solution with a λmax = 510 nm and a QY = 57%. Thin films grown via thermal evaporation also fluoresce and possess an average electron mobility of 6.3 × 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1. An ITO/Si(bzimpy)2/Al device exhibits electroluminescence with λmax = 560 nm.