A platinum(II) complex of 5,5′-bis(trimethylsilylethynyl)-2,2′-bipyridine displays unusually reversible colour and luminescence changes when exposed to specific organic vapours, correlated well with Pt⋯Pt distances as well as π–π and C–H⋯(C
C) interactions in the stacking of square-planar platinum(II) moieties.