Switching-on luminescence in anilate-based molecular materials

Area of Science:

• Coordination Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Photophysics

Background:

• Anilate ligands are known for their electronic and optical properties.
• Heterosubstituted anilate ligands offer tunable characteristics.
• The chlorocyananilate ligand (ClCNAn(2-)) has been known but uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize the chlorocyananilate ligand (ClCNAn(2-)).
• To investigate the photoluminescence of the ligand and its metal complexes.
• To explore the potential of these complexes as building blocks for functional materials.

Main Methods:

• Optimized synthesis of the chlorocyananilate ligand.
• Full characterization including photoluminescence spectroscopy.
• Synthesis and structural characterization of tris-chelated metal complexes with Cr(III), Fe(III), and Al(III).

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and characterization of the ClCNAn(2-) ligand.
• Demonstration of unprecedented luminescence properties in the anilate ligand class.
• Isostructural tris-chelated complexes [A]3[M(III)(ClCNAn)3] were obtained for Cr, Fe, and Al.
• The aluminum complex exhibits retained ligand luminescence, unlike Cr and Fe complexes.

Conclusions:

• The chlorocyananilate ligand is a unique building block with tunable electronic and optical properties.
• Cr(III) and Fe(III) complexes are potential precursors for molecule-based magnets and hybrid systems.
• The Al(III) complex is a novel building block for emissive heterobimetallic assemblies.