The synthesis, characterization, and fluorescence spectroscopy of E(C16H9)3 complexes (E = P, As, Sb, and Bi), as well as OP(C16H9)3, OAs(C16H9)3, and SP(C16H9)3, is reported. These compounds exhibit fluorescence quantum yields that span two orders of magnitude, from well below 1% to ca. 14%.