An electroluminescent composition is provided comprising: (a) a compound of the general chemical formula (I): wherein M is lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, copper, silver, gold, zinc, boron, aluminum, gallium, indium, germanium, tin, antimony, lead, manganese, iron, ruthenium, osmium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, nickel, palladium, platinum, cadmium or chromium; n is the valence of M; and R1, R2 and R3 can be the same or different, and are selected from hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic, heterocyclic or polycyclic ring structure, a fluorocarbon, a halogen or a nitrile group; and (b) a suitable dopant. The composition may be used in forming electroluminescent devices.