In this Frontier article, recently discovered chromium(0) and manganese(I) complexes emitting from metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states are highlighted. Chelating isocyanide ligands give access to this new class of 3d6 emitters with MLCT lifetimes in (or close to) the nanosecond regime in solution at room temperature. Although the so far achievable luminescence quantum yields in these open-shell complexes are yet comparatively low, the photophysical properties of the new chromium(0) and manganese(I) isocyanides are reminiscent of those of well-known ruthenium(II) polypyridines. Our findings provide insight into how undesired nonradiative MLCT deactivation in 3d6 complexes can be counteracted, and they seem therefore relevant for the further development of new luminescent first-row transition metal complexes based on iron(II) and cobalt(III) in addition to chromium(0) and manganese(I).
