Synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic studies of luminescent L-valine modified alkynyl-based cyclometalated gold(III) complexes with gelation properties driven by π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions

A series of luminescent l-valine modified alkynyl-based cyclometalated gold(iii) complexes are synthesized and characterized. Through a balance of π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions, organogelation of the gold(iii) complexes is achieved in DMSO. The gelation properties of the complexes have been studied using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, variable-temperature NMR, IR, UV-vis absorption and emission spectroscopy. Copyright © 2015 Royal Society of Chemistry.