The authors report the preparation, crystal structure, and emission properties of Ir(btq)2(acac) (btq = 2-benzo[4,5-]thienylquinoline) (1). The compound has been characterised by UV-vis, fluorescence, MALDI-TOF, and1H and13C NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure was also elucidated by X-ray diffraction methods. Its characteristics in terms of optical and structural properties are compared with the reported cyclometalated Ir(III) complex Ir(btp)2(acac) (2) (btp = 2-benzo[4,5-]thienylpyridine). Complex 1 shows 53nm red-shift emission compared to the related complex 2. © 2016, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.