In this study, a new Ir(III) complex containing 2,5-di(4-methoxyphenyl)pyridine ligand was synthesized. The Ir(III) complex of intense green photophosphorescence emission showed its potential for organic electroluminescence (EL). EL devices were fabricated based on the Ir(III) complex. A maximum external quantum efficiency of 9.0% corresponding to a luminance efficiency of 36 cd/A and a peak luminance of 3 5 000 cd/m(2) were achieved, respectively, which is higher than that of the device based on fac-tris(phenylpyridine)iridium (Ir(ppy)(3)) under the same conditions. The Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage coordinates (0.36, 0.62) for the device were independent of current density. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.