Luminescent Metallogels of Bis-Cyclometalated Alkynylgold(III) Complexes

A series of luminescent bis-cyclometalated alkynylgold­(III) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. Some of the complexes have been demonstrated to exhibit gelation properties driven by π–π stacking and hydrophobic–hydrophobic interactions. The gelation properties have been investigated in detail through variable-temperature UV–vis absorption and emission studies, and the morphology of the gels has also been characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.