Amplification of luminescence of stable radicals by coordination to NHC–gold(i) complex

Abstract

The luminescence of stable radicals can be enhanced by coordination to metal complexes. The 4% fluorescence quantum yield of (3,5-difluoro-4-pyridyl)bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)methyl radical (F₂PyBTM) in dichloromethane was enhanced up to 36% by coordination to Au^I with N-heterocyclic carbene ligand, which is a record for metal-radical complexes.