Molecular tectonics: design of luminescent H-bonded molecular networks

Using bis-amidinium dications; as tetra H-bond donor tectons and Au(CN)(2)(-) anion, neutral 1-D networks based on a bis monohapto mode of H-bonding are obtained. Owing to the short metal-metal distance within the network, luminescent crystals are obtained. The emission phenomena may be tuned by the nature of the spacer connecting the two cyclic amidinium groups.