A hexanuclear Cu(I) cluster {Cu-3(L)(2)}(2) (1) based on a novel tripodal linker (L) has been synthesized. 1 shows intense emission (lambda(max) 560 nm) with lifetime <tau > = 224 ms and quantum yield = 27.6%. The emission is highly sensitive towards different electron rich and electron deficient aromatics. DFT calculations were performed to understand the origin of emission and sensing properties.
