Emissive Supramolecular Systems Based on Reversible Bond Formation and Noncovalent Interactions

Noncovalent interactions and reversible bond formations are widely seen in natural systems for the construction of sophisticated molecular systems that perform various biological processes. Inspired by the natural systems, luminescent supramolecular systems constructed by coordination-driven self-assembly and homometallic metal-metal interations have been studied increasingly. These supramolecular systems show fascinating luminescent behaviors that are not observed from single components. This review summarizes our progress in the development of two types of unique luminescent supramolecular systems. The mononuclear Pt(II) complex units can sandwich coinage metal ions to form heteropolynuclear complexes involving heterometallic metal-metal interactions. A close proximity of the two or three different metal ions by the noncovalent forces lead to orbital overlapping among the coinage metal ions and the Pt(II) complex units, showing emission color change accompanied with structural transformation and reversible metal binding behaviors. Emissive host-guest systems consisting of mononuclear metal complexes and a hydrogen-bonded capsule are also developed, that show a unique encapsulation-induced emission enhancement (EIEE) behavior.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the progress in developing two types of unique luminescent supramolecular systems, including heteronuclear complexes involving heterometallic metal-metal interactions and host-guest systems consisting of mononuclear metal complexes and a hydrogen-bonded capsule.