Blue-emitting heteroleptic iridium(III) complexes based on fluorinated 2-phenyl-4-methoxypyridine

New iridium complexes with 2-(3',5'-bis-trifluoromethylphenyl)-4-metoxypyridine [$(CF_3)_2ppyOMe$] were synthesized and characterized for blue phosphorescent materials. It was found that $Ir[(CF_3)_2ppyOMe]_2$(acac) gives blue emission at 471 nm with strong luminescence efficiency. We discuss the role played by electron withdrawing substituents and also how the ancillary ligand influences the emission peak.