Binuclear Bi(III) halide complexes with 4,4′-ethylenepyridinium cations: luminescence tuning by reversible solvation

Two new complexes based on 4,4'-ethylenepyridinium cations and binuclear Bi(III) anionic complexes, (H(2)bpe)(2)[Bi2X10]center dot 2H(2)O (bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl) ethane; X = Cl (1), Br (2)), have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffractometry. In both cases, loss of solvent H2O molecules affects the luminescence behavior, resulting in increase of intensity (ca. 5-fold). Desolvation is reversible, which is of potential use in chemosensor systems.