Three halogeno(cyano)cuprates with 1-D helical chains and their efficient luminescence

Spontaneous resolution in solvothermal reactions through tuning the volume of the templating and space-filling agents (quaternary ammonium cations) lead to three novel halogeno(cyano)cuprates [R4N][Cu(CN)X] (R = Et, X = Cl, 1; R = Et, X = Br, 2; R = Bu, X = I, 3), which all consist of 1-D helical chains. Compounds 1 and 2 reveal to be mesomeric structures while compound 3 exhibits a nonracemic enantiopure topology. Luminescent studies indicate that all three compounds are potential materials for efficient luminescent materials.