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Updated: May 29, 2026

A Step Beyond BRET: Fluorescence by Unbound Excitation from Luminescence (FUEL)
Published on: May 23, 2014
Luminescence on-off switching via reversible interconversion between inter- and intramolecular aurophilic
Semi Han1, Yu Young Yoon, Ok-Sang Jung
1Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 561-756, Korea.
Solid-state luminescence is switched on and off by reversible changes in gold-gold interactions. Intermolecular gold-gold bonds are more crucial for this photoluminescence switching than intramolecular ones.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photochemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
Background:
- Gold(I) complexes are known for their luminescent properties.
- Aurophilic interactions (Au-Au bonding) play a key role in the photophysics of gold compounds.
- Controlling luminescence in the solid state is crucial for developing optical materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of inter- and intramolecular gold-gold interactions in solid-state luminescence.
- To demonstrate reversible luminescence on/off switching in gold(I) systems.
- To determine the relative significance of intermolecular versus intramolecular aurophilic interactions.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of gold(I) complexes.
- Solid-state photoluminescence spectroscopy.
- X-ray crystallography to analyze intermolecular and intramolecular interactions.
- Variable-temperature studies to probe dynamic processes.
Main Results:
- Reversible switching between inter- and intramolecular Au-Au interactions was observed.
- This interconversion directly correlated with luminescence on/off switching in the solid state.
- Intermolecular aurophilic interactions were found to be the dominant factor influencing the observed photoluminescence.
Conclusions:
- The study establishes a direct link between the nature of Au-Au bonding and solid-state luminescence.
- Reversible control over luminescence is achievable by manipulating intermolecular and intramolecular interactions.
- Intermolecular interactions are paramount for photoluminescence in these gold(I) systems.
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