Abstract
The mixed ligand copper(I) derivative [Cu(PPh3)(2)(kappa(2)-O,O ''-lact)] (1) (lact = L-(+)-lactate) has been prepared and fully characterized. NMR studies indicated the occurrence of a fluxional behavior involving the lactate anion, in solution. The alpha-hydroxycarboxylate ligand is responsible for the generation of a catemeric O-H center dot center dot center dot O(CO) H-bonding network that strongly influences the photophysical properties of 1, in the solid state. Indeed, when irradiated with UV light the title compound shows a bright phosphorescence, which as suggested by DFT calculations is strictly related to the abovementioned H-bonding network. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.