Structures, Photoluminescence, and Reversible Vapoluminescence Properties of Neutral Platinum(II) Complexes Containing Extended π-Conjugated Cyclometalated Ligands

Stimuli-fluorochromic smart organic materials

Smart materials based on stimuli-fluorochromic π-conjugated solids (SFCSs) have aroused significant interest due to their versatile and exciting properties, leading to advanced applications. In this review, we highlight the recent developments in SFCS-based smart materials, expanding beyond organometallic compounds and light-responsive organic luminescent materials, with a discussion on the design strategies, exciting properties and stimuli-fluorochromic mechanisms along with their potential applications in the exciting fields of encryption, sensors, data storage, display, green printing, etc. The review comprehensively covers single-component and multi-component SFCSs as well as their stimuli-fluorochromic behaviors under external stimuli. We also provide insights into current achievements, limitations, and major challenges as well as future opportunities, aiming to inspire further investigation in this field in the near future. We expect this review to inspire more innovative research on SFCSs and their advanced applications so as to promote further development of smart materials and devices.

Non-Palindromic C∧C∧P Platinum and Palladium Pincer Complexes Showing Intense Phosphorescence via Direct Spin-Forbidden S0 → T1 Excitation

The synthesis of C∧C∧P pre-ligands based on a dicyclohexylphosphine-substituted biphenyl framework is reported. The pre-ligands form the respective non-palindromic pincer complexes of PtII and PdII via double oxidative addition and subsequent comproportionation or C-H activation. The complexes of PtII as well as PdII emit similar green phosphorescence efficiently in the solid state, the former also in solution albeit with less intensity. The most fascinating photophysical feature, however, is a direct singlet-triplet (S0 → T1) excitation of this phosphorescence in the spectral window between the emission and the major singlet-singlet UV absorption. The S0 → T1 excitation spectra show a rich vibronic pattern, which is especially pronounced for the solid samples at cryogenic temperatures. The molar extinction of the lowest-energy singlet-triplet absorption band of the homologous Pt and Pd complexes as well as that of the Pt complex with a different (NHC) ancillary ligand were determined in tetrahydrofuran solutions. Quantum efficiencies of triplet formation (by intersystem crossing) via the "standard" excitation pathway S0 → Sn → T1 were determined for the Pt complexes and found to be different in dependence of the ancillary ligand.

Structural modifications to platinum(II) pincer complexes resulting in changes in their vapochromic and solvatochromic properties

There is a need to develop rapidly responsive chemical sensors for the detection of low concentrations of volatile organic solvents (VOCs). Platinum pincer complexes have shown promise as sensors because of their colours and vapochromic and solvatochromic properties, that may be related to the non-covalent interactions between the pincer complexes and the guest VOCs. Here we report an investigation into a series of Pt(II) complexes based on the 1,3-di(pyridine)benzene tridentate (N⁁C⁁N) skeleton with the formula [Pt(N⁁C(R)⁁N)(CN)] (R = C(O)Me 2, C(O)OEt 3, C(O)OPh 4) with the fourth coordination site occupied by a cyanide ligand. Solid-state samples of the complexes have been tested with a range of volatiles including methanol, ethanol, acetone, dichloromethane and water, and while 2 displays thermochromism, 3 and 4 display rapidly reversible vapochromism and solvatochromism. These results are correlated with X-ray powder and single crystal X-ray structural data including an assessment of the crystal packing and the void space in the crystalline space. The cyanide ligand and the R substituents are involved in hydrogen bonding that creates the voids within the structures and interact with the solvent molecules that influence the Pt⋯Pt separation in the crystalline state.

Multiresponsive Cyclometalated Crown Ether Bearing a Platinum(II) Metal Center

Multiresponsive materials can adapt to numerous changes in their local environment, which makes them highly valuable for various applications. Although nanostructured and polymeric multiresponsive materials are plentiful, small-molecule analogues are scarce. This work presents a compact cyclometalated platinum(II) complex that bears a crown ether cavity (18C6-Pt^II); the intimate ring/emitter connectivity is key to unlocking multiresponsiveness. Complex 18C6-Pt^II responds to (i) cationic guests, producing changes in luminescence in both solution and the solid state, (ii) solvent molecules, which perturb the packing of the complex in the solid state and cause reversible color changes, and (iii) solvent polarity, which leads to controlled aggregation. These responses may enable 18C6-Pt^II to function as a sensor for ions and solvents, or as a functional unit for the fabrication of hybrid supramolecular polymers and metallogels.

Coordination-based vapochromic behavior of a luminescent Pt(ii) complex with potassium ions

Vapochromic Pt(ii) complexes that exhibit color and luminescence changes induced by the presence of vapor molecules have drawn considerable attention because of their potential use as vapor sensors. Generally, the vapochromic responsiveness of Pt(ii)-based complexes is difficult to envisage, because a typical molecular design facilitates the stabilization of a vapor-adsorbed form through weak intermolecular interactions. Herein, we investigate the vapochromic behavior of a Pt(ii) complex with potassium ions, which act as vapor coordination sites, by strongly stabilizing the vapor-adsorbed form. Upon exposure to N,N-dimethylacetamide and N,N-dimethylformamide vapors, the complex exhibits crystal structural transformation with luminescence spectral changes. Crystal structural analysis indicates that the vapor molecules are coordinated to the potassium ions after vapor exposure. This study suggests the possibility of inducing Pt(ii)-based vapochromic responsiveness through establishing potassium-ion-based vapor coordination sites.

A luminescent Pt(ii) complex with potassium ions was successfully synthesized and its coordination-based vapochromic behavior was investigated.

Synthesis, structure and reactivity of iridium complexes containing a bis-cyclometalated tridentate C^N^C ligand

In an effort to synthesize cyclometalated iridium complexes containing a tridentate C^N^C ligand, transmetallation of [Hg(HC^N^C)Cl] (1) (H2C^N^C = 2,6-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)pyridine) with various organoiridium starting materials has been studied. The treatment of 1 with [Ir(cod)Cl]2 (cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) in acetonitrile at room temperature afforded a hexanuclear Ir4Hg2 complex, [Cl(κ2C,N-HC^N^C)(cod)IrHgIr(cod)Cl2]2 (2), which features Ir-Hg-Ir and Ir-Cl-Ir bridges. Refluxing 2 with sodium acetate in tetrahydrofuran (thf) resulted in cyclometalation of the bidentate HC^N^C ligand and formation of trinuclear [(C^N^C)(cod)IrHgIr(cod)Cl2] (3). On the other hand, refluxing [Ir(cod)Cl]2 with 1 and sodium acetate in thf yielded [Ir(C^N^C)(cod)(HgCl)] (4). Chlorination of 4 with PhICl2 gave [Ir(C^N^C)(cod)Cl]·HgCl2 (5·HgCl2) that reacted with tricyclohexylphosphine to yield Hg-free [Ir(C^N^C)(cod)Cl] (5). Chloride abstraction of 5 with silver(i) triflate (AgOTf) gave [Ir(C^N^C)(cod)(H2O)](OTf) (6) that can catalyze the cyclopropanation of styrene with ethyl diazoacetate. Reaction of 1 and [Ir(CO)2Cl(py)] (py = pyridine) with sodium acetate in refluxing thf afforded [Ir(C^N^C)(HgCl)(py)(CO)] (7), in which the carbonyl ligand is coplanar with the C^N^C ligand. On the other hand, refluxing 1 with (PPh4)[Ir(CO)2Cl2] and sodium acetate in acetonitrile gave [Ir(C^N^C)(κ2C,N-HC^N^C)(CO)] (8), the carbonyl ligand of which is trans to the pyridyl ring of the bidentate HC^N^C ligand. Upon irradiation with UV light 8 in thf was isomerized to 8', in which the carbonyl is trans to a phenyl group of the bidentate HC^N^C ligand. The isomer pair 8 and 8' exhibited emission at 548 and 514 nm in EtOH/MeOH at 77 K with lifetime of 84.0 and 64.6 μs, respectively. Protonation of 8 with p-toluenesulfonic acid (TsOH) afforded the bis(bidentate) tosylate complex [Ir(κ2C,N-HC^N^C)2(CO)(OTs)] (9) that could be reconverted to 8 upon treatment with sodium acetate. The electrochemistry of the Ir(C^N^C) complexes has been studied using cyclic voltammetry. Reaction of [Ir(PPh3)3Cl] with 1 and sodium acetate in refluxing thf led to isolation of the previously reported compound [Ir(κ2P,C-C6H4PPh2)2(PPh3)Cl] (10). The crystal structures of 2-5, 8, 8', 9 and 10 have been determined.

Structure illumination microscopy imaging of lipid vesicles in live bacteria with naphthalimide-appended organometallic complexes

There is a lack of molecular probes for imaging bacteria, in comparison to the array of such tools available for the imaging of mammalian cells. Here, organometallic molecular probes have been developed and assessed for bacterial imaging, designed to have the potential to support multiple imaging modalities. The chemical structure of the probes is designed around a metal-naphthalimide structure. The 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide moiety, covalently appended through a pyridine ancillary ligand, acts as a luminescent probe for super-resolution microscopy. On the other hand, the metal centre, rhenium(i) or platinum(ii) in the current study, enables techniques such as nanoSIMS. While the rhenium(i) complex was not sufficiently stable to be used as a probe, the platinum(ii) analogue showed good chemical and biological stability. Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) imaging on live Bacillus cereus confirmed the suitability of the probe for super-resolution microscopy. NanoSIMS analysis was used to monitor the uptake of the platinum(ii) complex within the bacteria and demonstrate the potential of this chemical architecture to enable multimodal imaging. The successful combination of these two moieties introduces a platform that could lead to a versatile range of multi-functional probes for bacteria.

Highly Luminescent Liquid Crystals in Aggregation Based on Platinum(II) Complexes

Luminescent liquid crystals (LLCs) attract considerable attention because of their broad applications in displays, chemosensors, and anti-counterfeiting. However, it remains challenging to achieve a high luminescence efficiency in LCs because of the common aggregation-caused quenching effect. Herein, we demonstrate a facile approach to designing LLCs with a high quantum yield up to 88% by deliberately tuning the aggregation behavior of platinum(II) complexes with alkoxy chains (C_nH_2n+1O-). LLCs in hexagonal columnar and rectangular columnar phases are achieved when n = 12 and 16, respectively, as revealed by one-dimensional wide-angle X-ray diffraction and small-angle X-ray scattering. These LLCs are able to not only exhibit strong emission at elevated temperatures but also show attractive reversible vapochromism upon alternative CH₂Cl₂ and EtOH fuming, which imparts added functions and promises technological utility.

Reversible stimuli-responsive chromism of a cyclometallated platinum(II) complex

We report the reversible chromism and luminescence of a cyclometalated platinum(ii) complex that forms dimers, with close PtPt interactions that can be modulated by solvent and temperature. The precise reversible control may be exploited in future stimuli-responsive chemosensing or optoelectronic devices.

Soft salts based on platinum(II) complexes with high emission quantum efficiencies in the near infrared region for in vivo imaging

Two soft salts (S1 and S2) based on platinum(ii) complexes with a near-infrared emission have been designed and synthesized. It has been demonstrated that S2 has a high photostability and a low cytotoxicity, and it has been successfully applied to in vivo imaging for the first time.

Vapochromic crystals: understanding vapochromism from the perspective of crystal engineering

Vapochromic materials, which undergo colour and/or emission changes upon exposure to certain vapours or gases, have received increasing attention recently because of their wide range of applications in, e.g., chemical sensors, light-emitting diodes, and environmental monitors. Vapochromic crystals, as a specific kind of vapochromic materials, can be investigated from the perspective of crystal engineering to understand the mechanism of vapochromism. Moreover, understanding the vapochromism mechanism will be beneficial to design and prepare task-specific vapochromic crystals as one kind of low-cost 'electronic nose' to detect toxic gases or volatile organic compounds. This review provides important information in a broad scientific context to develop new vapochromic materials, which covers organometallic or coordination complexes and organic crystals, as well as the different mechanisms of the related vapochromic behaviour. In addition, recent examples of supramolecular vapochromic crystals and metal-organic-framework (MOFs) vapochromic crystals are introduced.

Crystal-to-Crystal Isomerization via Drastic Intramolecular Ligand Exchange: Vapochromism of a Bis(arenethiolato)cobalt(II) Complex Containing Bulky Acylamino Groups

Crystal-to-crystal transitions normally avoid drastic configurational changes that result in loss of crystallinity. A cobalt(II) complex, containing two unsymmetrically disubstituted arenethiolato ligands with bulky acylamino (Ar₃CCONH, Ar = 4-t-BuC₆H₄) and t-BuCONH groups, showed crystal-to-crystal configurational isomerization accompanied by vapochromism. Recrystallization using THF/n-hexane afforded green crystals (isomer G) containing one n-hexane molecule per asymmetric unit. In contrast, blue crystals (isomer B), containing two toluene molecules per unit, were obtained using a toluene solution. Isomer G contained S,O-chelates involving Ar₃CCO carbonyl groups, while isomer B contained chelates involving t-BuCO groups. Upon exposure to toluene vapor, crystal isomer G was gradually converted to crystal isomer B, maintaining its crystallinity despite the drastic intramolecular ligand exchange. Although the blue coloration was due to an unfavorable, distorted, and stretched chemical structure, formation of strong intermolecular NH···O═C hydrogen bond chains counteracted this disadvantage. Therefore, blue crystal formation as a whole was thermodynamically favorable. The release of n-hexane from the green crystals initiated the isomerization and resulted in tightly packed blue crystals. The tense conformation of the blue crystals was facilely relaxed by cleaving the hydrogen bond chains through grinding and resulted in a green powder that maintained the original coordination of isomer B, which reverted easily to blue crystals upon exposure to toluene vapor.

Luminescence of mononuclear Pt(ii) complexes with glycolate: external stimuli-induced excimer emission changes to oligomer emissions

Trihydrate crystals of novel Pt^II complexes [Pt^II(bpy)(gl)] (bpy: 2,2′-bipyridine; Hgl⁻: glycolate) show excimer emission changes to two kinds of oligomer emissions depending on the type of external stimuli.

Bimetallic-based food sensors for meat spoilage: Effects of the accepting metallic unit in Fe(II)CNMA (MA = Pt(II) or Au(I)) on device selectivity and sensitivity

Technologies for monitoring meat spoilage are important to ensuring consumer safety. As dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is a reliable marker for meat freshness, sensitive and selective DMS sensors are of great interest. Herein, two trinuclear cyano-bridged bimetallic donor-acceptor ensembles, Fe^II(bpy)₂(CN)₂-[Pt^II(DMSO)Cl₂]₂ (1) and Fe^II(bpy)₂(CN)₂-[Au^ICl]₂, were synthesized, and corresponding solid-supported sensors were fabricated to determine the effect of the acceptor metal (M_A) on DMS detection. Changing M_A from Au^I to Pt^II improved the sensitivity and selectivity owing to changes in the relative thermodynamic stabilities of the complex and M_A-DMS adduct. When applied to real meat samples, 1 exhibited a linear spectroscopic response to DMS, even in the presence of interfering compounds, with a method detection limit of 1.0 ppm. The total bacteria count and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results revealed that the spectroscopic signal generated by 1 correlated with the microbial growth level and DMS concentration during meat spoilage.

[SP-4-2]-(Acetonitrile-κN)chlorido[2-(4,6-diphenylpyridin-2-yl)phenyl-κ2 C 1,N]platinum(II)

The synthesis and crystal structure of the title PtII complex, [Pt(C23H16N)Cl(CH3CN)], based on the C,N-chelating 2,4,6-triphenylpyridine as the primary ligand, is described. The central PtII atom is in a distorted square-planar coordination environment. In the crystal, molecules are arranged via a metallophilic interaction between platinum atoms with a Pt...Pt contact of 7.052 (2) Å. In addition, a π–π interaction occurs.

NF-κB hijacking theranostic Pt(ll) complex in cancer therapy

Platinum complexes have been used for anti-cancer propose for decades, however, their high side effects resulting from damage to healthy cells cannot be neglected and prevent further clinical utilisation. Here, we designed a cyclometalated platinum (II) complex that can bind the endogenous nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) protein. Employing detailed colocalization studies in co-culture cell line models, we show that by binding to NF-κB, the platinum (II) complex is capable of upregulated nuclear translocation specifically in cancer but not normal cells, thereby impairing cancer proliferation without disturbing healthy cells. In a murine tumour model, the platinum (II) complex prevents tumour growth to a greater extent than cisplatin and with considerably lower side-effects and kidney damage. Considering its weak damage to normal cells combined with high toxicity to cancer cells, this NF-κB-binding platinum complex is a potential anti-cancer candidate and acts to verify the strategy of hijacking endogenous trans-nuclear proteins to achieve cancer-cell specificity and enhance therapeutic indices.

Luminescent Platinum(IV) Complexes Bearing Cyclometalated 1,2,3-Triazolylidene and Bi- or Terdentate 2,6-Diarylpyridine Ligands

The synthesis, structure, and photophysical properties of luminescent Pt^IV complexes that combine cyclometalated 1,2,3-triazolylidene and bi- or terdentate 2,6-diarylpyridine ligands are reported. The targeted complexes represent the first examples of Pt^IV species with a cyclometalated mesoionic aryl-NHC ligand. They exhibit moderate or weak emissions in fluid solution at 298 K arising from ³ LC states, which become very intense in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrices at 298 K. DFT and TD-DFT calculations confirm that the chromophoric ligand is the cyclometalated 2,6-diarylpyridine and show that the aryl-NHC ligand exerts a beneficial effect on the emission efficiencies of these derivatives by increasing the energy of deactivating LMCT excited states with respect to comparable Pt^IV complexes with cyclometalated 2-arylpyridine ligands.

Aggregation and Tunable Color Emission Behaviors of l-Glutamine-Derived Platinum(II) Bipyridine Complexes by Hydrogen-Bonding, π-π Stacking and Metal-Metal Interactions

An l-glutamine-derived functional group was introduced to the bis(arylalkynyl)platinum(II) bipyridine complexes 1-4. The emission could be switched between the ³ MLCT excited state and the triplet excimeric state through solvent or temperature changes, which is attributed to the formation and disruption of hydrogen-bonding, π-π stacking, and metal-metal interactions. Different architectures with various morphologies, such as honeycomb nanostructures and nanospheres, were formed upon solvent variations, and these changes were accompanied by ¹ H NMR and distinct emission changes. Additionally, yellow and red emissive metallogels were formed at room temperature due to the different aggregation behaviors introduced by the substituent groups on bipyridine. The thermoresponsive metallogel showed emission behavior with tunable colors by controlling the temperature. The negative Gibbs free-energy change (ΔG) and the large association constant for excimer formation have suggested that the molecules undergo aggregation through hydrogen-bonding, π-π, and metal-metal interactions, resulting in triplet excimeric emission.

Red Room-Temperature Phosphorescence of CDs@Zeolite Composites Triggered by Heteroatoms in Zeolite Frameworks

Carbon dots (CDs) with red-emitting room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) are rarely reported because of the increasing nonradiative decay of the excited states and the decreasing energy gap between the excited states and ground states. Herein, we demonstrate a facile strategy for modulating the RTP properties of CDs in terms of donor-acceptor energy transfer (EnT) in the CDs-in-zeolite system. Upon tuning of the heteroatoms (Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺) doped in the aluminophosphate zeolite frameworks, CDs@zeolite composites with green and red phosphorescence have been prepared via in situ hydrothermal synthesis. In such composites, the zeolite matrix provides an efficient confinement role in stabilizing the triplet states of CDs. Significantly, the Mn-doped zeolite could act as an energy acceptor allowing EnT from excitons of CDs to the dopant in the host matrix, generating the intriguing red RTP behavior. This work provides an effective strategy for developing CD-based composite materials with special RTP emissions as well as new fields for applications.

A rationally designed vapoluminescent compound with adsorptive channels and responsive luminophores for volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

A novel cuprous complex bearing two functional parts, i.e. a luminophoric part and a structural part, exhibits distinct luminescence responses to a variety of volatile organic compounds of different polarities in the solid state.

Effects of the number of cyclometalated rings and ancillary ligands on the rate of MeI oxidative addition to platinum(ii)–pincer complexes

The reactivity of new organoplatinum(ii)–pincer complexes in their oxidative addition reactions with MeI is related to the ancillary ligand and the number of cyclometalated rings present in the coordination sphere of the Pt centre.

Half-lantern cyclometalated Pt(ii) and Pt(iii) complexes with bridging heterocyclic thiolate ligands: synthesis, structural characterization, and electrochemical and photophysical properties

Half-lantern Pt(ii) and Pt(iii) cyclometalated binuclear complexes, bridged with various heterocyclic thiolate ligands, were synthesized and studied by electrochemical and photophysical techniques.

Luminescence color alteration induced by trapped solvent molecules in crystals of tetrahedral gold(i) complexes: near-unity luminescence mixed with thermally activated delayed fluorescence and phosphorescence

Emission color alteration caused by captured solvent molecules in the crystal lattice of tetrahedral gold(i) complexes.

Distinct Mechanoresponsive Luminescence, Thermochromism, Vapochromism, and Chlorine Gas Sensing by a Solid-State Organic Emitter

In this study, we report a synthetically simple donor-acceptor (D-A)-type organic solid-state emitter 1 that displays unique fluorescence switching under mechanical stimuli. Orange and yellow emissive crystals of 1 (1O, 1Y) exhibit an unusual "back and forth" fluorescence response to mechanical force. Gentle crushing (mild pressure) of the orange or yellow emissive crystal results in hypsochromic shift to cyan emissive fragments (λ_em = 498-501 nm) with a large wavelength shift Δλ_em = -71 to -96 nm, while further grinding results in bathochromic swing to green emissive powder λ_em = 540-550 nm, Δλ_em = +40 to 58 nm. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction study reveals that molecules are packed by weak interactions, such as C-H···π, C-H···N, and C-H···F, which facilitate intermolecular charge transfer in the crystal. With the aid of structural, spectroscopic, and morphological studies, we established the interplay between intermolecular and intramolecular charge-transfer interaction that is responsible for this elusive mechanochromic luminescence. Moreover, we have also demonstrated the application of this organic material for chlorine gas sensing in solid state.

Robust and Reversible Vapoluminescent Organometallic Copper Polymers

Emissive organometallic polymers are an important class of functional materials characterized by the combined photoluminescent features of organometallic molecules and the properties of traditional polymers. In this work, the emissive organometallic complex, [CuBr(PPh₃ )₂ (4-methylpyridine)], is successfully, mechanically ground into a random copolymer built on 4-(diphenylphosphino)styrene (DPVP) and n-butyl acrylate (BA) monomers. The resultant hybrid materials successfully inherit the emissive centers, and are significantly reinforced by the copper complexes as chemical crosslinkers in the polymeric continuum. These organometallic polymers are also proved to have excellent vapoluminescent properties, exhibiting unique responses to many organic solvent vapors, reflecting their rapid loss and recovery of photoluminescence. Mechanically robust and flexible films prepared with these organometallic Cu(I)-polymers are tested as recoverable sensors for hazardous volatile chemical compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, acetone, chloroform, and dichloromethane, and the low limits of detection (LOD) can reach as low as 1 × 10^-3 -8 × 10^-3 mg L^-1 (0.2-3.3 ppmV, parts per million-volume) for various VOCs. This work sheds lights on the design and fabrication of organometallic polymers for advanced applications.

Red photo- and electroluminescent half-lantern cyclometalated dinuclear platinum(II) complex

New cyclometalated dinuclear platinum(II) complex bearing bridged 4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-2(1H)-thiolate (μ-C6H7N2S-κN,S) ligands, [{Pt(ppy)(μ-C6H7N2S-κN,S)}2] (3) (ppy=(2-phenylpyridinato-C2,N)) was prepared via the reaction of chloro-bridged dimer [{Pt(ppy)Cl}2] with 4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-2(1H)-thione (C6H8N2S) in the presence of t-BuOK. The complex holds dinuclear frameworks with short Pt(II)···Pt(II) distance (2.8877(3) Å), and exhibit red intense luminescence from the triplet metal-metal-to-ligand charge-transfer at 697 nm in CH2Cl2 solution and at 649 nm in solid state at RT. Single crystal XRD analysis reveals the metallophilic interactions Pt···Pt with significant covalent contribution in the structure of 3 which were studied by quasi-relativistic and relativistic DFT calculations (viz., M06/MWB60(Pt) and 6-311+G* (other atoms); M06/DZP-DKH levels of theory) and topological analysis of the electron density distribution within the framework of Bader’s theory (QTAIM method). Estimated strength of the Pt···Pt contact is 8.1–12.2 kcal/mol and it is mostly determined by crystal packing effects and weak attractive interactions between the adjacent metal centers due to overlapping of their dz2 and pz orbitals. An organic light-emitting diode based on this complex showed red electroluminescence with maximal luminance of 115 cd/m2 and current efficiency of 2.45 cd/A at this luminance.

Metal-organic framework composites with luminescent pincer platinum(ii) complexes: 3MMLCT emission and photoinduced dehydrogenation catalysis

Pincer platinum(ii) complexes are well documented to exhibit weak intermolecular interactions in the solid state and 77 K glassy solutions, leading to emissive triplet metal-metal-to-ligand charge transfer (3MMLCT) excited states that often vanish in dilute solutions. In this work, metal-organic framework (MOF) materials are introduced to provide a "solid solution" environment for easy access to 3MMLCT excited states of pincer platinum(ii) complexes. Phosphorescent composites PtII@MOFs (1-4) with matrix-dependent monomers and oligomer emission properties were obtained. These PtII@MOFs are efficient catalysts for photoinduced dehydrogenation reactions.

A rapidly-reversible absorptive and emissive vapochromic Pt(II) pincer-based chemical sensor

Selective, robust and cost-effective chemical sensors for detecting small volatile-organic compounds (VOCs) have widespread applications in industry, healthcare and environmental monitoring. Here we design a Pt(II) pincer-type material with selective absorptive and emissive responses to methanol and water. The yellow anhydrous form converts reversibly on a subsecond timescale to a red hydrate in the presence of parts-per-thousand levels of atmospheric water vapour. Exposure to methanol induces a similarly-rapid and reversible colour change to a blue methanol solvate. Stable smart coatings on glass demonstrate robust switching over 10⁴ cycles, and flexible microporous polymer membranes incorporating microcrystals of the complex show identical vapochromic behaviour. The rapid vapochromic response can be rationalised from the crystal structure, and in combination with quantum-chemical modelling, we provide a complete microscopic picture of the switching mechanism. We discuss how this multiscale design approach can be used to obtain new compounds with tailored VOC selectivity and spectral responses.

Direct Observation of an Efficient Triplet Exciton Diffusion Process in a Platinum-Containing Conjugated Polymer

We report the synthesis and characterization of a conjugated polymer incorporated with cyclometalated platinum complexes on the main chain. The polymer may serve as an efficient triplet sensitizer in light-harvesting systems. The photophysical properties of the polymer were studied by nanosecond and femtosecond time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopies. After excitation, an energy-transfer process from the thiophene units on the conjugated main chain to the singlet excited state of the Pt complex moieties occurred in less than 150 fs. The subsequent intersystem crossing process resulted in the formation of a triplet excited state at the Pt complex moieties in ∼3.2 ps, which was then followed by an efficient triplet diffusion process that led to the formation of triplet excitons on the polymer main chain in ∼283 ps. This proposed efficient triplet sensitized polymer system not only enhances the exciton diffusion length but also reduces energy loss in the process, which displays remarkable implications in the design of novel materials for triplet sensitized solar cells.

Non-conjugated fluorescent molecular cages of salicylaldehyde-based tri-Schiff bases: AIE, enantiomers, mechanochromism, anion hosts/probes, and cell imaging properties

Non-conjugated fluorescent molecular cages of salicylaldehyde-based tri-Schiff bases with a trimethylamine bridge have a small π-conjugated system but exhibit strong aggregation- and anion-induced emission.

Synthesis, crystal structure, photophysical property and metal ion-binding behavior of a cyclometalated platinum(ii) terpyridylacetylide with efficient π-conjugation degree

The “Donor–Phosphore–Receptor” platform as a novel building block for formation of heterotrinuclear transition metal complexes.