The synthesis and photophysical properties of the robust Pt(II) emitters [(O--N--N)PtX] (HO--N--N = 6-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2,2'-bipyridine and its derivatives; X = Cl, Br, I, or -CC-Ph) are reported. Yellow electroluminescent devices based on these materials display a low turn-on voltage (1 cd m(-2) at 4 V) and a high luminance (37000 cd m(-2)). Complex 2e, [(F(t)Bu2O--N--N)PtCl], has the highest thermal stability and gave the best OLED.