Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of T-Shaped Coinage-Metal Complexes

Abstract

The photophysical properties of a series of T-shaped coinage d10 metal complexes, supported by a bis(mesoionic carbene)carbazolide (CNC) pincer ligand, are explored. The series includes a rare new example of a tridentate T-shaped AgI complex. Post-complexation modification of the AuI complex provides access to a linear cationic AuI complex following ligand alkylation, or the first example of a cationic square planar AuIII−F complex from electrophilic attack on the metal centre. Emissions ranging from blue (CuI) to orange (AgI) are obtained, with variable contributions of thermally-dependent fluorescence and phosphorescence to the observed photoluminescence. Green emissions are observed for all three gold complexes (neutral T-shaped AuI, cationic linear AuI and square planar cationic AuIII). The higher quantum yield and longer decay lifetime of the linear gold(I) complex are indicative of increased phosphorescence contribution.