Synergistic π–π and Pt–Pt interactions in luminescent hybrid inorganic/organic dual columnar liquid crystals

A new triphenylene-isocyanide CN-C 6 H 4 -O-(CH 2 ) 6 -TriPh, non mesogenic, and their ortho -metallated benzoquinolate (bzq) complexes, [M(bzq)X(CN-C 6 H 4 -O-(CH 2 ) 6 -TriPh)] (M = Pd, Pt; X = Cl, I) and [Pt(bzq)(CN-C 6 H 4 -O-(CH 2 ) 6 -TriPh) 2 ]A (A = NO 3 − , BF 4 − , PF 6 − ), all displaying a columnar mesophase, have been prepared. The structure of the mesophase, determined by X-ray diffraction methods, is uncommon and consists of a central column formed by stacking of the organometallic benzoquinoline-platinum fragments, surrounded by six columns in hexagonal disposition formed by stacking of the triphenylene groups. These materials show aggregation-induced phosphorescence based on inter-disk Pt⋯Pt interactions.