Restricted photochemistry in the molecular solid state: structural changes on photoexcitation of Cu(I) phenanthroline metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) complexes by time-resolved diffraction

Nanosecond-Lived Excimer Observation in a Crystal of a Rhodium(I) Complex via Time-Resolved X-ray Laue Diffraction

The rare observation of transient Rh···Rh excimer formation in a single crystal is reported. The estimated excited-state lifetime at 100 K is 2 ns, which makes it the shortest-lived small-molecule species caught experimentally using the laser-pump/X-ray-probe time-resolved Laue method. Upon excitation with 390 nm laser light, the intermolecular Rh···Rh distance decreases from 3.379(4) to 3.19(1) Å, and the metal-metal contact gains more bonding character. On the basis of the experimental results and theoretical modeling, the structural changes determined with 100 ps time resolution reflect principally the S0 → S1 electronic transition.

Methods in molecular photocrystallography

Over the last three decades, the technology that makes it possible to follow chemical processes in the solid state in real time has grown enormously. These studies have important implications for the design of new functional materials for applications in optoelectronics and sensors. Light-matter interactions are of particular importance, and photocrystallography has proved to be an important tool for studying these interactions. In this technique, the three-dimensional structures of light-activated molecules, in their excited states, are determined using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. With advances in the design of high-power lasers, pulsed LEDs and time-gated X-ray detectors, the increased availability of synchrotron facilities, and most recently, the development of XFELs, it is now possible to determine the structures of molecules with lifetimes ranging from minutes down to picoseconds, within a single crystal, using the photocrystallographic technique. This review discusses the procedures for conducting successful photocrystallographic studies and outlines the different methodologies that have been developed to study structures with specific lifetime ranges. The complexity of the methods required increases considerably as the lifetime of the excited state shortens. The discussion is supported by examples of successful photocrystallographic studies across a range of timescales and emphasises the importance of the use of complementary analytical techniques in order to understand the solid-state processes fully.

Electronic Tuning of Photoexcited Dynamics in Heteroleptic Cu(I) Complex Photosensitizers

Photoexcited dynamics of heteroleptic Cu(I) complexes as noble-metal-free photosensitizers are closely intertwined with the nature of their ligands. By utilizing ultrafast optical and X-ray transient absorption spectroscopies, we characterized a new set of heteroleptic Cu(I) complexes [Cu(PPh3)2(BPyR)]+ (R = CH3, H, Br to COOCH3), with an increase in the electron-withdrawing ability of the functional group (R). We found that after the transient photooxidation of Cu(I) to Cu(II), the increasing electron-withdrawing ability of R barely affects the internal conversion (IC) (e.g., Jahn-taller (JT) distortion) between singlet MLCT states. However, it does accelerate the dynamics of intersystem crossing (ISC) between singlet and triplet MLCT states and the subsequent decay from the triplet MLCT state to the ground state. The associated lifetime constants are reduced by up to 300%. Our understanding of the photoexcited dynamics in heteroleptic Cu(I) complexes through ligand electronic tuning provides valuable insight into the rational design of efficient Cu(I) complex photosensitizers.

Uncovering the role of non-covalent interactions in solid-state photoswitches by non-spherical structure refinements with NoSpherA2

We present a charge density study of two linkage isomer photoswitches, [Pd(Bu4dien)(NO2)]BPh4·THF (1) and [Ni(Et4dien)(NO2)2] (2) using Hirshfeld Atom Refinement (HAR) methods implemented via the NoSpherA2 interface in Olex2. HAR is used to explore the electron density distribution in the photoswitchable molecules of 1 and 2, to gain an in-depth understanding of key bonding features and their influence on the single-crystal-to-single-crystal reaction. HAR analysis is also combined with ab initio calculations to explore the non-covalent interactions that influence physical properties of the photoswitches, such as the stability of the excited state nitrito-(η1-ONO) isomer. This insight can be fed back into the crystal engineering process to develop new and improved photoswitches that can be optimised towards specific applications.

Axial vs equatorial: Capturing the intramolecular charge transfer state geometry in conformational polymorphic crystals of a donor-bridge-acceptor dyad in nanosecond-time-scale

Two conformational polymorphs of a donor-bridge-acceptor (D-B-A) dyad, p-(CH3)2N-C6H4-(CH2)2-(1-pyrenyl)/PyCHDMA, were studied, where the electron donor (D) moiety p-(CH3)2N-C6H4/DMA is connected through a bridging group (B), -CH2-CH2-, to the electron acceptor (A) moiety pyrene. Though molecular dyads like PyCHDMA have the potential to change solar energy into electrical current through the process of photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), the major challenge is the real-time investigation of the photoinduced ICT process in crystals, necessary to design solid-state optoelectronic materials. The time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) measurements with the single crystals showed that the ICT state lifetime of the thermodynamic form, PyCHDMA1 (pyrene and DMA: axial), is ∼3 ns, whereas, for the kinetic form, PyCHDMA20 (pyrene and DMA: equatorial), it is ∼7 ns, while photoexcited with 375 nm radiation. The polymorphic crystals were photo-excited and subsequently probed with a pink Laue x-ray beam in time-resolved x-ray diffraction (TRXRD) measurements. The TRXRD results suggest that in the ICT state, due to electron transfer from the tertiary N-atom in DMA moiety to the bridging group and pyrene moiety, a decreased repulsion between the lone-pair and the bond-pair at N-atom induces planarity in the C-N-(CH3)2 moiety, in both polymorphs. The Natural Bond Orbital calculations and partial atomic charge analysis by Hirshfeld partitioning also corroborated the same. Although the interfragment charge transfer (IFCT) analysis using the TDDFT results showed that for the charge transfer excitation in both conformers, the electrons were transferred from the DMA moiety to mostly the pyrene moiety, the bridging group has little role to play in that.

Exploring the influence of polymorphism and chromophore co-ligands on linkage isomer photoswitching in [Pd(bpy4dca)(NO2)2]

The polymorphic Pd(II)-nitrite complex [Pd(bpy4dca)(NO2)2] (1) (bpy4dca = 2,2’-bipyridine-4,4’-dicarboxylic acid methyl ester) is shown to undergo photoinduced nitro → nitrito linkage isomer switching in two crystal forms, to varying excited...

Instrument-model refinement in normalized reciprocal-vector space for X-ray Laue diffraction

A simple yet efficient instrument-model refinement method for X-ray diffraction data is presented and discussed. The method is based on least-squares minimization of differences between respective normalized (i.e. unit length) reciprocal vectors computed for adjacent frames. The approach was primarily designed to work with synchrotron X-ray Laue diffraction data collected for small-molecule single-crystal samples. The method has been shown to work well on both simulated and experimental data. Tests performed on simulated data sets for small-molecule and protein crystals confirmed the validity of the proposed instrument-model refinement approach. Finally, examination of data sets collected at both BioCARS 14-ID-B (Advanced Photon Source) and ID09 (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility) beamlines indicated that the approach is capable of retrieving goniometer parameters (e.g. detector distance or primary X-ray beam centre) reliably, even when their initial estimates are rather inaccurate.

Seed-skewness algorithm for X-ray diffraction signal detection in time-resolved synchrotron Laue photocrystallography

A one-dimensional seed-skewness algorithm adapted for X-ray diffraction signal detection is presented and discussed. The method, primarily designed for photocrystallographic time-resolved Laue data processing, was shown to work well for the type of data collected at the Advanced Photon Source and European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. Nevertheless, it is also applicable in the case of standard single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The reported algorithm enables reasonable separation of signal from the background in single one-dimensional data vectors as well as the capability to determine small changes of reflection shapes and intensities resulting from exposure of the sample to laser light. Otherwise, the procedure is objective, and relies only on skewness computation and its subsequent minimization. The new algorithm was proved to yield comparable results to the Kruskal-Wallis test method [Kalinowski, J. A. et al. (2012). J. Synchrotron Rad. 19, 637], while the processing takes a similar amount of time. Importantly, in contrast to the Kruskal-Wallis test, the reported seed-skewness approach does not need redundant input data, which allows for faster data collections and wider applications. Furthermore, as far as the structure refinement is concerned, the reported algorithm leads to the excited-state geometry closest to the one modelled using the quantum-mechanics/molecular-mechanics approach reported previously [Jarzembska, K. N. et al. (2014). Inorg. Chem. 53, 10594], when the t and s algorithm parameters are set to the recommended values of 0.2 and 3.0, respectively.

Photoluminescence of Ag(i) complexes with a square-planar coordination geometry: the first observation

First examples of square-planar Ag(i) complexes showing MLCT emission are reported. They demonstrate an interesting thermochromic luminescence with the nano- and microsecond lifetime components.

Impact of High Pressure on Metallophilic Interactions and Its Consequences for Spectroscopic Properties of a Model Tetranuclear Silver(I)-Copper(I) Complex in the Solid State

Structure-property relationships were investigated via combined high-pressure spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction techniques for a model luminescent Ag₂Cu₂L₄ (L = 2-diphenylphosphino-3-methylindole) complex in the crystalline state. The experimental results were contributed by theoretical calculations, compared with the previously evaluated light-induced geometrical changes, and discussed in the context of available literature to date. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of this kind devoted to a coinage-metal complex for which the argentophilic interactions are crucial. High-pressure X-ray diffraction and optical spectroscopy experiments showed close correspondence between structural changes and optical properties. The unit-cell angles, absorption edges, emission maxima, decay lifetimes and silver-copper bond trends, all change around 2-3 GPa. A blue-shift to red-shift switch when increasing the pressure was observed for both absorption and emission spectra. This is unique behavior when compared to the literature-reported coinage metal systems. It also occurred that the pressure-induced structural changes differ notably from the geometrical distortions observed for the excited state. Interestingly, shortening of the Ag-Ag bond itself does not ensure the red shift of the absorption and emission spectra. All the optical spectroscopy data are suggestive of an important role of defects, likely related to the lack of a hydrostatic pressure transmitting medium, for pressures higher than 3 GPa.

Photochemistry and Transmission Pump-Probe Spectroscopy of 2-Azidobiphenyls in Aqueous Nanocrystalline Suspensions: Simplified Kinetics in Crystalline Solids

Aqueous nanocrystalline suspensions provide a simple and efficient medium for performing transmission spectroscopy measurements in the solid state. In this Letter we describe the use of laser flash photolysis methods to analyze the photochemistry of 2-azidobiphenyl and several aryl-substituted derivatives. We show that all the crystalline compounds analyzed in this study transform quantitatively into carbazole products via a crystal-to-crystal reconstructive phase transition. While the initial steps of the reaction cannot be followed within the time resolution of our instrument (ca. 8 ns), we detected the primary isocarbazole photoproducts and analyzed the kinetics of their formal 1,5-H shift reactions, which take place in time scales that range from a few nanoseconds to several microseconds. It is worth noting that the high reaction selectivity observed in the crystalline state translates into a clean and simple kinetic process compared to that in solution.

Ultrafast X-Ray Crystallography and Liquidography

Time-resolved X-ray diffraction provides direct information on three-dimensional structures of reacting molecules and thus can be used to elucidate structural dynamics of chemical and biological reactions. In this review, we discuss time-resolved X-ray diffraction on small molecules and proteins with particular emphasis on its application to crystalline (crystallography) and liquid-solution (liquidography) samples. Time-resolved X-ray diffraction has been used to study picosecond and slower dynamics at synchrotrons and can now access even femtosecond dynamics with the recent arrival of X-ray free-electron lasers.

Tuning the fluorescence emission in mononuclear heteroleptic trigonal silver(i) complexes

Mononuclear heteroleptic trigonal planar silver(i) complexes have been prepared and characterized, both in solution and in the solid state. Their luminescent behavior was investigated, showing a tunable emission maxima according to the electronic properties of the phosphorous ligand, in the solid state.

Photophysical properties of three coordinated copper(i) complexes bearing 1,10-phenanthroline and a monodentate phosphine ligand

Three-coordinated emissive copper(i) complexes bearing 1,10-phenanthroline and monodentate phosphine ligands were synthesized. Copper(i) complexes bearing a crowded phosphine ligand show relatively strong luminescence even in solution.

Angular-split/temporal-delay approach to ultrafast protein dynamics at XFELs

X-ray crystallography promises direct insights into electron-density changes that lead to and arise from structural changes such as electron and proton transfer and the formation, rupture and isomerization of chemical bonds. The ultrashort pulses of hard X-rays produced by free-electron lasers present an exciting opportunity for capturing ultrafast structural events in biological macromolecules within femtoseconds after photoexcitation. However, shot-to-shot fluctuations, which are inherent to the very process of self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) that generates the ultrashort X-ray pulses, are a major source of noise that may conceal signals from structural changes. Here, a new approach is proposed to angularly split a single SASE pulse and to produce a temporal delay of picoseconds between the split pulses. These split pulses will allow the probing of two distinct states before and after photoexcitation triggered by a laser pulse between the split X-ray pulses. The split pulses originate from a single SASE pulse and share many common properties; thus, noise arising from shot-to-shot fluctuations is self-canceling. The unambiguous interpretation of ultrafast structural changes would require diffraction data at atomic resolution, as these changes may or may not involve any atomic displacement. This approach, in combination with the strategy of serial crystallography, offers a solution to study ultrafast dynamics of light-initiated biochemical reactions or biological processes at atomic resolution.

Analysis of multicrystal pump-probe data sets. II. Scaling of ratio data sets

Two methods for scaling of multicrystal data collected in time-resolved photocrystallography experiments are discussed. The WLS method is based on a weighted least-squares refinement of laser-ON/laser-OFF intensity ratios. The other, previously applied, is based on the average absolute system response to light exposure. A more advanced application of these methods for scaling within a data set, necessary because of frequent anisotropy of light absorption in crystalline samples, is proposed. The methods are applied to recently collected synchrotron data on the tetra-nuclear compound Ag2Cu2L4 with L = 2-diphenylphosphino-3-methylindole. A statistical analysis of the weighted least-squares refinement residual terms is performed to test the importance of the scaling procedure.

Tracking reaction dynamics in solution by pump–probe X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray liquidography (solution scattering)

TRXL and TRXAS are powerful techniques for real-time probing of structural and electronic dynamics of photoinduced reactions in solution phase.

On the scaling of multicrystal data sets collected at high-intensity X-ray and electron sources

The need for data-scaling has become increasingly evident as time-resolved pump-probe photocrystallography is rapidly developing at high intensity X-ray sources. Several aspects of the scaling of data sets collected at synchrotrons, XFELs (X-ray Free Electron Lasers) and high-intensity pulsed electron sources are discussed. They include laser-ON/laser-OFF data scaling, inter- and intra-data set scaling.

New methods in time-resolved Laue pump-probe crystallography at synchrotron sources

Newly developed methods for time-resolved studies using the polychromatic and in particular the pink-Laue technique, suitable for medium and small-size unit cells typical in chemical crystallography, are reviewed. The order of the sections follows that of a typical study, starting with a description of the pink-Laue technique, followed by the strategy of data collection for analysis with the RATIO method. Novel procedures are described for spot integration, orientation matrix determination for relatively sparse diffraction patterns, scaling of multi-crystal data sets, use of Fourier maps for initial assessment and analysis of results, and least-squares refinement of photo-induced structural and thermal changes. In the calculation of Fourier maps a ground-state structure model, typically based on monochromatic results, is employed as reference, and the laser-ON structure factors for the Fourier summations are obtained by multiplying the reference ground-state structure factors by the square root of the experimental ON/OFF ratios. A schematic of the procedure followed is included in the conclusion section.

Perspective: On the relevance of slower-than-femtosecond time scales in chemical structural-dynamics studies

A number of examples illustrate structural-dynamics studies of picosecond and slower photo-induced processes. They include molecular rearrangements and excitations. The information that can be obtained from such studies is discussed. The results are complementary to the information obtained from femtosecond studies. The point is made that all pertinent time scales should be covered to obtain comprehensive insight in dynamic processes of chemical and biological importance.

Synthesis, Structural Characterisation, and Spectroscopic Properties of Copper(I) Complexes and their Applications to Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells

Based on the ligand 1,4-bis(2-(diphenylphophino)benzylideneamino)benzene (pbb), two complexes, [Cu2(pbb)(2,2′-bipyridine)2](BF4)2 (1) and [Cu2(pbb)(phen)2](BF4)2 (2), have been prepared and characterised by IR, 1H NMR, 31P NMR, 19F NMR, and 11B NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structure analysis. Structural analysis reveals that complexes 1 and 2 contain 1D infinite chains and 2D supramolecular networks constructed by C–H···π and π···π interactions, and an ordered-layer-lattice of BF4– is located between these 2D networks. The results show that C–H···π and π···π interactions play an important role in the formation of 2D supramolecular networks. The UV-vis absorption peaks of complexes 1 and 2 display intraligand charge transfer and metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption. Complexes 1 and 2 display efficient luminescent emission assigned to MLCT excited states, and the maximum emissions of these complexes in acetonitrile solution are different from those of the solid-state samples. In addition, complexes 1 and 2 have been exploited as sensitisers in dye-sensitised solar cells, and efficiencies are also observed.

Photocrystallographic observation of halide-bridged intermediates in halogen photoeliminations

Polynuclear transition metal complexes, which frequently constitute the active sites of both biological and chemical catalysts, provide access to unique chemical transformations that are derived from metal-metal cooperation. Reductive elimination via ligand-bridged binuclear intermediates from bimetallic cores is one mechanism by which metals may cooperate during catalysis. We have established families of Rh2 complexes that participate in HX-splitting photocatalysis in which metal-metal cooperation is credited with the ability to achieve multielectron photochemical reactions in preference to single-electron transformations. Nanosecond-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy, steady-state photocrystallography, and computational modeling have allowed direct observation and characterization of Cl-bridged intermediates (intramolecular analogues of classical ligand-bridged intermediates in binuclear eliminations) in halogen elimination reactions. On the basis of these observations, a new class of Rh2 complexes, supported by CO ligands, has been prepared, allowing for the isolation and independent characterization of the proposed halide-bridged intermediates. Direct observation of halide-bridged structures establishes binuclear reductive elimination as a viable mechanism for photogenerating energetic bonds.

Shedding light on the photochemistry of coinage-metal phosphorescent materials: a time-resolved Laue diffraction study of an Ag(I)-Cu(I) tetranuclear complex

The triplet excited state of a new crystalline form of a tetranuclear coordination d(10)-d(10)-type complex, Ag2Cu2L4 (L = 2-diphenylphosphino-3-methylindole ligand), containing Ag(I) and Cu(I) metal centers has been explored using the Laue pump-probe technique with ≈80 ps time resolution. The relatively short lifetime of 1 μs is accompanied by significant photoinduced structural changes, as large as the Ag1···Cu2 distance shortening by 0.59(3) Å. The results show a pronounced strengthening of the argentophilic interactions and formation of new Ag···Cu bonds on excitation. Theoretical calculations indicate that the structural changes are due to a ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) strengthening the Ag···Ag interaction, mainly occurring from the methylindole ligands to the silver metal centers. QM/MM optimizations of the ground and excited states of the complex support the experimental results. Comparison with isolated molecule optimizations demonstrates the restricting effect of the crystalline matrix on photoinduced distortions. The work represents the first time-resolved Laue diffraction study of a heteronuclear coordination complex and provides new information on the nature of photoresponse of coinage metal complexes, which have been the subject of extensive studies.

An optical chopper for generation of short X-ray pulses to allow in-house time-resolved photocrystallography

As part of a project to implement in-house time-resolved diffraction of short-lifetime species, a fast shutter with a custom-designed enclosure has been installed. The device is suitable for generation of X-ray pulses with time lengths down to about 5 µs. The design does not require major modifications to commercially available diffractometer setups. Significant airflow, generated by the rotating chopper disc, which interferes with temperature control at the sample, has been eliminated by a compact enclosure, which does not interfere with sample monitoring and conditioning devices. It allows for full rotation of the diffractometer circles.

Relating structure and photoelectrochemical properties: electron injection by structurally and theoretically characterized transition metal-doped phenanthroline–polyoxotitanate nanoparticles

Whereas a large number of sensitized polyoxotitanate clusters have been reported, information on the electrochemical properties of the fully structurally and theoretically defined nanoparticles has not been available and is presented here.

Syntheses, Structures, Characterisation, and Spectroscopic Properties of CuI and AgI Complexes with Extended C–H···π and π···π Interactions

Based on the ligands N,N′-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)benzene-1,4-diamine (pmb) and N,N′-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)biphenyl-4,4′-diamine (pmbb), the three compounds [Cu2(pmb) (PPh3)2(Cl)2] (1), [Cu2(pmbb)(CH3CN)2(PPh3)2](BF4)2·2DMF (2), and [Ag2(pmbb)(PPh3)2] (ClO4)2 (3) have been synthesised and characterised. Structural analysis reveals that all of these complexes contain 1D supramolecular arrays, with different variations in π-stacking patterns and intermolecular C–H···π interactions. Crystal structures of 1 and 2 contain 1D tape-like arrays formed by C–H···π and π···π interactions, and an ordered-layer-lattice of DMF and BF4– in 2 is located between the one-dimensional array. For 3, π-stacking interactions lead to the construction of 1D supramolecular arrays and a 2D network. The results indicate that C–H···π and π···π interactions play an important role in the construction of the supramolecular structure. In addition, the absorption peaks of complexes 1 and 3 in the solid state at room temperature show intraligand charge transfer and metal-to-ligand charge transfer absorptions. The optical and fluorescent properties of 2 were also studied in acetonitrile solution at room temperature.

Thermal and photochemical control of nitro–nitrito linkage isomerism in single-crystals of [Ni(medpt)(NO2)(η2-ONO)]

[Ni(medpt)(NO₂)(η²-ONO)] displays an equilibrium between the η¹-NO₂ and the η¹-ONO linkage isomers between 150–298 K; upon photoactivation at 100 K the percentage of the η¹-ONO isomer increases.

CLUSTERGEN: a program for molecular cluster generation from crystallographic data

A new program,CLUSTERGEN, for molecular cluster generation is introduced.CLUSTERGENprovides the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) input files for program packages such asADF[Baerendset al.(2012). Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands] andGAUSSIAN[Frischet al.(2009). Gaussian Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA]. Additionally, it prints out a standardCRYSTAL[Dovesiet al.(2009). University of Turin, Italy] input and, in general, facilitates file-format manipulation. TheCLUSTERGENprogram is supported by an extensive manual and a user-friendly graphical interface. The code is freely available and carefully commented, which makes it easily modifiable. Exemplary applications ofCLUSTERGENconcerning QM/MM calculations and derivation of nucleus-independent chemical shift indices are demonstrated.

How the quantum efficiency of a highly emissive binuclear copper complex is enhanced by changing the processing solvent

Polymorphism is often linked to the choice of processing solvents. Packing effects or the preference of one certain conformer as possible causes of this phenomenon are strongly dependent on solvents and especially on their polarity. Even in amorphous solids, the microstructure can be controlled by the choice of solvents. Polymorphs or amorphous solids featuring different packing densities can exhibit different properties in terms of stability or optical effects. The influence of these effects on a binuclear, strongly luminescent copper(I) complex was investigated. Many possible applications for luminescent, amorphous coordination compounds, such as organic light-emitting diodes, sensors, and organic lasers, rely on photophysical properties like quantum efficiency to be repeatable. The effect of processing solvents in this context is often underestimated, but very relevant for utilization in device manufacturing and should therefore be understood more deeply. In this work, theoretical derivations, DFT calculations, X-ray-diffraction, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and the time-dependent single-photon-counting-technique (TDSPC) were used to understand this phenomenon more deeply. The influence of five different solvents on Cu2I2(MePyrPHOS)3 was probed. This resulted in a modulation of the photoluminescence quantum yield ϕ between 0.5 and 0.9 in amorphous solid state. A new polymorph of the material with slightly reduced values for ϕ has been identified. The reduced efficiency could be correlated with a higher porosity and a reduced packing density. Dense packing reduces nonradiative decay by geometrical fixation and thus increases the quantum efficiency. The existence of similar effects on aluminum and iridium compounds has been confirmed by application of different processing solvents on Alq3 and Ir(ppy)3. These results show that a tuning of the efficiency of a emissive metal complexes by choosing a proper processing solvent is possible. If highly efficient materials for practical applications are desired, an evaluation of multiple solvents has to be considered.

On the Biexponential Decay of the Photoluminescence of the Two Crystallographically-Independent Molecules in Crystals of [Cu(I)(phen)(PPh3)2][BF4]

[Cu(I)(phen)(PPh3)2][BF4] crystallizes with two nonsymmetry-related molecules in the asymmetric unit. Synchrotron time-resolved X-ray diffraction experiments have shown that the two independent molecules distort differently on MLCT excitation. The luminescence decay of the crystals is biexponential with two different Stokes-shifts, the more rapid decay corresponding to the shorter wavelength emission. Its amplitude diminishes rapidly with an increase in temperature, indicating that this emission is not due to a thermal activation to a higher state. The double emission is attributed to the presence of two independent molecules with drastically different packing environments. It is concluded that the solid-state environment must be analyzed whenever photochemical properties of molecular solids are reported.