Beyond Classical Coordination Chemistry: the First Case of a Triply Bridging Phosphine Ligand

AbstractThe first example of a triply bridging (μ3‐P) phosphine ligand has been discovered in the crown‐shaped [Cu3(μ2‐Hal)3L] (Hal=Cl, Br, or I) complexes supported by tris[2‐(2‐pyridyl)ethyl]phosphine (L). Theoretical analysis completely confirms the observed μ3‐P‐bridging pattern, revealing the interaction of the same lone pair of phosphorus with three valence 4s‐orbitals of Cu atoms. The presented complexes exhibit outstanding blue phosphorescence (λem=442–465 nm) with the quantum efficiency reaching 100 %. The complex [Cu3(μ2‐I)3L] also exhibits remarkable thermo‐ and mechanochromic luminescence resulting in a sharp change in the emission colour upon external stimuli. These findings essentially contribute to coordination chemistry of the pnictine ligands.