Low-temperature-selective luminescent mechanochromism of a thienyl gold isocyanide complex

Abstract

The low-temperature-selective mechanochromism of a thienyl gold(I) isocyanide complex is reported. The as-prepared powder of this complex did not show any luminescent color changes upon grinding at room temperature. When cooled below −50 °C, the powder showed a blue emission in the absence of a phase transition. Upon grinding this powder below −50 °C, a green emission was observed, which indicates notable mechanochromism that only occurs at low temperature.