Controlled Self‐assembly of Gold(I) Complexes by Multiple Kinetic Aggregation States with Nonlinear Optical and Waveguide Properties

Abstract

AbstractIntroduction of multiple kinetic aggregation states (Aggs) into the self‐assembly pathway could bring complexity and flexibility to the self‐assemblies, which is difficult to realize due to the delicate equilibria established among different Aggs bonded by weak noncovalent interactions. Here, we describe a series of chiral and achiral d10 AuI bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene, NHC) complexes, and the achiral complex could undergo self‐assembly with multiple kinetic Aggs. Generation of multiple kinetic Aggs was realized by applying chiral or achiral seeds exhibiting large differences in elongation temperatures for their respective cooperative self‐assembly processes. We further showed that the chiral AuI self‐assemblies having non‐centrosymmetric packing forms exhibit nonlinear optical response of second harmonic generation (SHG), while the SHG signal is absent in the achiral analogue. The crystalline achiral AuI self‐assemblies could function as optical waveguides with strong emission polarization.