Embodiments of the invention are directed to luminescent gold(III) compounds contains a bidentate ligand with at least one strong σ-donating group, a method of preparation of these compounds and the use of these compounds in organic light emitting devices. The gold(III) compounds have the chemical structure: wherein: X is a nitrogen atom; Y is selected from a carbon or a nitrogen atom; A-B is a substituted or unsubstituted cyclometalating ligand (for Y═C) or diimine ligand (for Y═N); where A and B are cyclic structure derivatives; R1 and R2 are optionally substituted carbon donor ligands attached to the gold atom, with the proviso that R1 and R2 are not —CH3, —CH2SiMe3, mesityl, pentafluorophenyl, —CH2C(O)R′, —CH(R)SO2CH(R)—, —C6H4N═NC6H5, and wherein R1 and R2 can optionally be combined into a bidentate ligand; and n is greater or equal to zero.