Supramolecular Polymer with Multi-Responsive Luminescence Formed by the First Tetracoordinated Au(I) Carbene Complex

Extended-metal systems are known for their distinctive magnetic, optical, and electronic properties. However, rigid tetracoordinated Au(I) N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) polymeric complexes, despite their potential in multi-responsive materials, have not been thoroughly explored. In this study, we present the first functional NHC-based rigid polymer (2) featuring tetracoordinated Au(I) centers. The proposed synthetic route offers a straightforward strategy for coordinating NHC ligands to metal precursors, leading to the formation of rigid, extended-metal frameworks with halogen bridging. Compound 2 demonstrated high thermal stability, multi-color emission, and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) in the solid state. Its multi-color emission was finely tuned by the relative intensities of different emission modes, which were highly sensitive to the aggregate structure and could be controlled by external stimuli. Notably, 2 exhibited white phosphorescence at room temperature with a quantum yield of 14%. This work provides a novel foundation for developing AIE-active materials and expands the understanding of Au(I) NHC polymer systems.