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.