A series of functionalized imidazophenthridine analogue-based blue phosphorescent emitters have been designed, where bulky substituents (e.g., tetrabutyl, phenyl, mesityl, triisopropylbenzene, etc.) are introduced on an imidazophenthridine fragment of the emitters. Bulky substituents may suppress potential excimer formation, as well as improve the solubility of the complexes. This class of emitters may be utilized in luminescent labels, emitters for organic light emitting devices, and lighting applications.