Seminarium Optyczne

The exploration of photoactive compounds frequently reveals fascinating insights, underscoring the importance of a cross-disciplinary strategy. In our research, we delved into the alleged metal-enhanced luminescence believed to stem from the chemisorption of aryl iodides onto gold nanoparticles stabilized by poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). Our findings diverge from prior theories, indicating that the observed fluorescence is not due to excimers of iodophenols on Au:PVP surfaces. Rather, it is attributed to biphenyl derivatives, created through a gold-catalyzed Ullmann homocoupling process within the system. Remarkably, this reaction, traditionally seen as complex, occurs in methanol under normal conditions—ambient temperature and atmosphere, eliminating the necessity for any base. These results not only clarify the mechanism behind the luminescence but also significantly advance the domain of carbon-carbon coupling reactions.