Interaction of the Large Host Q[10] with Metal Polypyridyl Complexes: Binding Modes and Effects on Luminescence

Aqueous solution state host–guest systems have been studied, comprising the large host cucurbit[10]uril with luminescent cationic tris(polypyridyl) (PP) metal complexes [Ru(PP)3]2+ and [Ir(PP)3]3+. All complexes bind strongly with the host, with the overall complex charge and size having a minor effect on affinity but influencing the association dynamics and contribution from higher-order (1:2) host–guest species. The 1:2 species contributes more significantly to the binding equilibrium in the case of [Ru(phen)3]2+. The effect of the host upon emission is highly variable and depends on the electronic structure of the guest. The metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) emission of [Ru(PP)3]2+ is strongly quenched, in contrast to the large enhancements seen previously for MLCT emission of iridium cyclometalated complexes, while the ligand-centered emission of [Ir(PP)3]3+ is little affected. The mechanisms of quenching and enhancement are discussed, together with the implications for the design of larger supramolecular assemblies based on these archetypal emitters.