CuI and AgI scorpionate-like complexes based on sterically hindered tris(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)phosphine oxide

The interaction of tris(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)phosphine oxide (L) with equimolar amounts of [Cu(MeCN)₄]PF₆ or AgClO₄ in acetonitrile produces scorpionate-like complexes [M(L)(MeCN)]X (M = Cu and Ag; X = PF6- and ClO4-). At ambient temperature, these compounds exhibit orange (λ_max = 608 nm) or turquoise (λ_max = 490 nm) photo-luminescence with a quantum yield up to 16% and lifetimes of microsecond order.