The molecular ruby analogue [Cr(ddpd)2]3+ (ddpd=N,N’-dimethyl-N,N’-dipyridine-2-ylpyridine-2,6-diamine) exhibits near infrared (NIR) emission with a high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield ?PL of 11 % and lifetime 898 ?s in deaerated water at room temperature. While ligand-based control the photophysical properties has received much attention, influences counter anions microenvironment are st...