Chromic triboluminescence of self-assembled platinum(ii) complexes

Abstract

A series of Pt(II) complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbenes, [Pt(CN)₂(Rim-Mepy)] (Rim-MepyH⁺ = 3-alkyl-1-(4-methyl-(2-pyridinyl))-1H-imidazolium, R = Me, Et, ⁱPr, or ^tBu), exhibits triboluminescence in the visible range from blue to red, as well as the corresponding intense photoluminescence. Remarkably, among the complexes, the ⁱPr-substituted one exhibits chromic triboluminescence behaviour during the process of rubbing and also vapour exposure.