Small molecule compounds having aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics. The compounds include organic, aromatic salts having anion-π+ interactions. In some embodiments, the anion-π+ interactions can include heavy-atom-anion-π+ interactions. The heavy atom anions can include bromine or iodide, for example. The compounds can be water-soluble. The compounds can be useful as probes for bioimaging, as room temperature luminogens for electroluminescent devices, and white organic light-emitting applications.
