Cu(I) complexes and clusters are the largest class of compounds of relevant photochemical and photophysical interest based on a relatively abundant metal element. Interestingly, Nature has given an essential role to copper compounds in some biological systems, relying on their kinetic lability and versatile coordination environment. Some basic properties of Cu(I) and Cu(II) such as their coordination geometries and electronic levels are compared, pointing out the limited significance of Cu(II) compounds (d 9 configuration) in terms of photophysical properties. Well-established synthetic protocols are available to build up a variety of molecular and supramolecular architectures 70 N. Armaroli et al.(e.g. catenanes, rotaxanes, knots, helices, dendrimers, cages, grids, racks, etc.) containing Cu(I)-based centers and exhibiting photo-and electroluminescence as well as light-induced intercomponent processes. By far the largest class of copper complexes investigated to date is that of Cu(I)-bisphenanthrolines ([Cu(NN) 2 ] + ) and recent progress in the rationalization of their metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) absorption and luminescence properties are critically reviewed, pointing out the criteria by which it is now possible to successfully design highly emissive [Cu(NN) 2 ] + compounds, a rather elusive goal for a long time. To this end the development of spectroscopic techniques such as light-initiated time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy (LITR-XAS) and femtosecond transient absorption have been rather fruitful since they have allowed us to firmly ground the indirect proofs of the molecular rearrangements following light absorption that had accumulated in the past 20 years. A substantial breakthrough towards highly emissive Cu(I) coordination compounds is constituted by heteroleptic Cu(I) complexes containing both N-and P-coordinating ligands ([Cu(NN)(PP)] + ) which may exhibit luminescence quantum yields close to 30% in deaerated CH 2 Cl 2 solution and have been successfully employed as active materials in OLED and LEC optoelectronic devices. Also copper clusters may exhibit luminescence bands of halide-to-metal charge transfer (XMCT) and/or cluster centered (CC) character and they are briefly reviewed along with miscellaneous Cu(I) compounds that recently appeared in the literature, which show luminescence bands ranging from the blue to the red spectral region. An Overview of Copper Historical Notes, Current Use, Consumption TrendsCopper was known to some of the oldest civilizations on record, and has a history of use that is at least 10 000 years old. A copper pendant was found in what is now northern Iraq that dates to 8700 B.C. and by 5000 B.C. there are signs of copper smelting from simple copper compounds such as malachite or azurite. This process appears to have been developed independently in several parts of the world since several centuries B.C., including Anatolia, China, Central America and West Africa. The Egyptians found that, upon addition of small amounts of tin, copper becomes easier to...

The first system containing a luminescent Ir(m) cyclometallated species and a functionalized C60 unit has been prepared; triplet-triplet energy transfer from the Ir-based MLCT state to the C60 triplet state occurs, leading to phosphorescence (lifetime, 4.8 ms) of the derivatized-C60 at 77 K.

A new fullerene derivative with an ammonium subunit has been prepared. Its ability to form supramolecular complexes with oligophenylenevinylene derivatives bearing one or two crown ether moieties has been evidenced by electrospray mass spectrometry, and UV-visible and luminescence spectroscopy experiments. Interestingly, the assembly of the C60-ammonium cation with the oligophenylenevinylene derivative bearing two crown ether moieties leads to the cooperative formation of the 2:1 complex owing to intramolecular fullerene-fullerene interactions.

2-Pyrazolino[4,5:1,2][60]fullerenes undergo a thermally induced retro-cycloaddition process whose efficiency is influenced by the nature of the C-substituent. C-Aryl-N-Aryl-2-pyrazolino[60]fullerenes (2a-d) poorly undergo a thermal retro-cycloaddition reaction even in the presence of a strong dipolarophile or a metal Lewis acid which, in contrast to other fullerene derivatives, shows their remarkable thermal stability. C-Alkyl-N-Aryl-2-pyrazolino[60]fullerenes (2e-f) show a different behavior, being more vulnerable to the presence of copper triflate and leading to the retro-cycloaddition product (pristine C60) in good yield.