Photofunctional Platinum Complexes Featuring N‐heterocyclic Carbene‐Based Pincer Ligands

Abstract Photoactive platinum complexes of stoichiometry [Pt( R CCC R )L] 0/+ (R=Me, n Bu and L=CN, C≡CPh, N≡CCH 3 , Py, CO) featuring pincer‐type bis N ‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands ( R CCC R ) were synthesized. Organometallic syntheses of these complexes are facile and achievable through standard laboratory procedures. Control of intermolecular Pt⋅⋅⋅Pt interaction, π–π stacking, and emission tuning is achieved through suitable choice of the NHC‐wingtip substituent (R) and the auxiliary ligand (L). Exposure to specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or mechanical grinding triggers changes in emission colors, which render these complexes photofunctional. Solid‐state structures and photoluminescence results are described herein.