Speciation in solution, solid state spectroscopy and vapochromism of [Pt(trpy)(NCS)]SbF(6) where trpy = 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine.

Treatment of [Pt(trpy)Cl]SbF(6) with AgSCN in a metathesis reaction affords after work-up yellow crystals of [Pt(trpy)(NCS)]SbF(6).CH(3)CN where trpy is 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine. A single crystal structure determination of the solvate shows that the SCN(-) ion is N-bound to the Pt atom, and that the planar cations stack as Pt(2) dimers with a PtPt separation of 3.293(1) A. The crystals rapidly de-solvate under ambient conditions to give a polycrystalline maroon material characterised as [Pt(trpy)(NCS)]SbF(6) (). A (15)N NMR spectroscopic study of a solution of isotopically labeled [Pt(trpy)((15)N(13)CS)]SbF(6) in CD(3)CN shows that both linkage isomers of the SCN(-) ion co-exist in solution with the N-bound isomer dominant, and the S-bound isomer present at a much lower concentration. Compound exhibits temperature dependent (3)MMLCT emission in the solid state; at 280 K the emission maximises at 692 nm, but red-shifts systematically on cooling to reach 762 nm at 80 K. Compound shows vapochromic behaviour that is selective and reversible for vapours of acetonitrile, DMF and pyridine. The colour change is from maroon for to yellow for all three solvates. The emission spectra recorded for the solvates maximise at wavelengths that are all significantly blue-shifted compared to lambda(em)(max) recorded for : the blue-shifts measured at 77 K are 90, 115 and 155 nm for the acetonitrile, DMF and pyridine solvates respectively. The origin of the vapochromic properties of compound is likely to do with the breaking and making of metallophilic PtPt interactions in the solid state.