Jinhua Liang

Aggregation-induced emission-active gold(I) complexes with multi-stimuli luminescence switching

A series of diisocyano-based dinuclear gold(I) complexes have been synthesized, differing only in the bridge linking the two (identical) arms. All of these complexes have been thoroughly characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The gold(I) complexes 1a, 1b and 1c all exhibit aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics and mechanochromic behavior; their phosphorescence properties show reversible switchable off–on green luminescence in response to grinding. We have investigated the origins of these phenomena by spectroscopy, phosphorescence quantum yields and X-ray powder diffraction. From the experimental data, we conclude that the changing of multiple intermolecular C–H⋯F, C⋯F, weak π–π interactions and the formation of aurophilic interactions are critical elements that determine the AIE-active and switchable mechanochromic luminescence.

Functionalized Coronenes: Synthesis, Solid Structure, and Properties

The construction of coronenes using simple building blocks is a challenging task. In this work, triphenylene was used as a building block to construct functionalized coronenes, and their solid structures and optoelectronic properties were investigated. The single crystal structures showed that coronenes have different packing motifs. Their good solubility and photostability make them potential solution-processable candidates for organic devices.

Switchable azo-macrocycles: from molecules to functionalisation

Azo-based compounds are a class of switchable systems that have been widely investigated. Furthermore, they are also important for the construction of macrocycles with photoresponsive characteristics. In recent years, there have been many reports describing versatile photoswitchable azo-macrocycles. In addition, the process of photoisomerisation has also been applied to the construction of many types of functionalised molecular machines, such as those required for host–guest chemistry, molecular machines and self-assembly systems. In this review, we summarise the recent progress of azo-macrocycles in molecular structure and functionalisation.