Self-assembly of discrete metallosupramolecular luminophores

This review examines the metal-directed self-assembly of luminescent metallosupramolecular structures. A brief overview of the self-assembly process is followed by a discussion of the various types of assemblies based on the nuclearity of the luminophore: dinuclear, trinuclear, tetranuclear and higher nuclearity species. The final assemblies are discussed in light of their synthesis, their photophysical properties, and the role that the metal ion plays: (i) a purely structural role, or (ii) a structural and functional role. While some step-wise syntheses are mentioned, the majority of the polynuclear complexes presented herein are built up by a self-assembly process. Whenever possible, the potential applications of the luminescent metallosupramolecular assemblies are presented and discussed.