A new type of luminescent alkynyl Au4Cu2 cluster.

Changes in the optical properties of an alkynyldigold(I) complex upon reaction with Cu(I) are associated with a complicated structural change to form an unusual Au4Cu2 cluster with metallophilic interactions as well as pi-alkyne coordination.

Effects of diphosphine structure on aurophilicity and luminescence in Au(I) complexes.

The effects of diphosphine flexibility and bite angle on the structures and luminescence properties of Au(I) complexes have been investigated. A range of diphosphines based on heteroaromatic backbones [bis(2-diphenylphosphino)phenylether (dpephos), 9,9-dimethyl-4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)xanthene (xantphos), and 4,6-bis(diphenylphosphino)dibenzofuran (dbfphos)] has been used to prepare mono- and digold derivatives. A clear relationship between the presence of aurophilic contacts and the emission properties of dinuclear complexes has been observed, with one of the complexes studied, [Au(2)Cl(2)(micro-xantphos)], exhibiting luminescence thermochromism.