Bidirectional Photomagnetic Conversions in a Spin-Crossover Complex with a Diarylethene Moiety

Optical Phenomena in Molecule-Based Magnetic Materials

Since the last century, we have witnessed the development of molecular magnetism which deals with magnetic materials based on molecular species, i.e., organic radicals and metal complexes. Among them, the broadest attention was devoted to molecule-based ferro-/ferrimagnets, spin transition materials, including those exploring electron transfer, molecular nanomagnets, such as single-molecule magnets (SMMs), molecular qubits, and stimuli-responsive magnetic materials. Their physical properties open the application horizons in sensors, data storage, spintronics, and quantum computation. It was found that various optical phenomena, such as thermochromism, photoswitching of magnetic and optical characteristics, luminescence, nonlinear optical and chiroptical effects, as well as optical responsivity to external stimuli, can be implemented into molecule-based magnetic materials. Moreover, the fruitful interactions of these optical effects with magnetism in molecule-based materials can provide new physical cross-effects and multifunctionality, enriching the applications in optical, electronic, and magnetic devices. This Review aims to show the scope of optical phenomena generated in molecule-based magnetic materials, including the recent advances in such areas as high-temperature photomagnetism, optical thermometry utilizing SMMs, optical addressability of molecular qubits, magneto-chiral dichroism, and opto-magneto-electric multifunctionality. These findings are discussed in the context of the types of optical phenomena accessible for various classes of molecule-based magnetic materials.

Stimuli-responsive magnetic materials: impact of spin and electronic modulation

Addressing molecular bistability as a function of external stimuli, especially in spin-crossover (SCO) and metal-to-metal electron transfer (MMET) systems, has seen a surge of interest in the field of molecule-based magnetic materials due to their enormous potential in various technological applications such as molecular spintronics, memory and electronic devices, switches, sensors, and many more. The fine-tuning of molecular components allow the design and synthesis of materials with tailored properties for these vast applications. In this Feature Article, we discuss a part of our research work into this broad topic, pertaining to the recent discoveries in the field of switchable molecular magnetic materials based on SCO and MMET systems, along with some historical background of the area and related accomplishments made in recent years.

Light-Induced Dyotropic Rearrangement of Diarylethenes: Scope, Mechanism, and Prospects

Irreversible two-photon photorearrangement of 1,2-diarylethenes is a unique process providing access to complex 2a1 ,5a-dihydro-5,6-dithiaacenaphthylene (DDA) heterocyclic core. This reaction was serendipitously discovered during studies on photoswitchable diarylethenes and was initially considered as a highly undesired process. However, in recent years, it has been recognized as an efficient photochemical reaction, interesting by itself and as a promising synthetic method for the synthesis of challenging molecules. Herein, we discuss the state-of-the-art in studies on this notable process.

Spin-State Modulation in FeII -Based Hofmann-Type Coordination Polymers: From Molecules to Materials

Spin crossover complexes that reversibly interconvert between two stable states imitate a binary state of 0 and 1, delivering a promising possibility to address the data processing concept in smart materials. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the modulation of magnetic transition between high spin and low spin and the factors responsible for stabilizing the spin states is an essential theme in modern materials design. In this context, the present review attempts to provide a concise outline of the design strategy employed at the molecular level for fine-tuning the spin-state switching in Fe^II -based Hofmann-type coordination polymers and their effects on the optical and magnetic response. In addition, development towards the nanoscale architectures of HCPs, i. e., in terms of nanoparticles and thin films, are emphasized to bridge the gap between the laboratory and reality.

Impact of counter anions on spin-state switching of manganese(III) complexes containing an azobenzene ligand

Four mononuclear manganese(III) complexes coordinated with photo-active hexadentate azobenzene ligands, [Mn(5azo-sal₂-323)](X) (X = Cl, 1; X = BF₄, 2; X = ClO₄, 3; X = PF₆, 4), were prepared. The impact of various counter anions on the stabilization and switching of the spin state of the manganese(III) center was explored through detailed magneto-structural investigation using variable temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetic, spectroscopic, and spectroelectrochemical studies, along with theoretical calculations. All four complexes consisted of an isostructural monocationic distorted octahedral MnN₄O₂ coordination environment offered by the hexadentate ligand and Cl^-, BF₄^-, ClO₄^-, and PF₆^- as counter anions respectively. Complex 1 with a spherical Cl^- counter anion showed a reversible and gradual spin-state switching between low-spin (LS) (S = 1) and high-spin (HS) (S = 2) states above 400 K, where non-covalent cation-anion interactions played a significant role in stabilizing the LS state. While, irrespective of the shape of the counter anion, complexes 2-4 remained in the HS state throughout the measured temperature range of 300-2 K, where strong π-π interaction between the azobenzene motifs among cationic units played a substantial role in stabilizing the HS state. Furthermore, magnetic data analyses revealed significantly large zero-field splitting in the S = 1 state for 1 (D = 19.4 cm^-1, E/D = 0.008) in comparison with that in the S = 2 state for 2-4 (D = 3.99-4.97 cm^-1, E/D = 0.002-0.195). Spectroelectrochemical investigations revealed the quasi-reversible reduction and oxidation of the manganese(III) center to manganese(II) and manganese(IV), respectively. A detailed theoretical calculation at the DFT and CASSCF level of theory was carried out to better understand the magneto-structural correlation.

Light-induced hidden multistability in a spin crossover metal-organic framework

The pursuit of spin crossover (SCO) materials with photo-switchable multistability is driven by the fascinating perspectives toward light-response switches and opto-magnetic memory devices. Herein, we report a 3D Hofmann-type metal...

Solid-state photochromic arylazopyrazole based transition metal complexes

A new class of photoactive and chelating ligands L1-3 have been designed and synthesized by incorporating arylazo-3,5-dimethylpyrazole units in the ligand frameworks. Significantly they are designed in such a way...

Single crystal-to-single crystal transformation - from two distinct to three distinct spin crossover centers in 2D coordination polymer [Fe(bbtr)3](CF3SO3)2

1,4-Di(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)butane (bbtr) forms a two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymer (1) in a reaction with iron(II) triflate. In the crystal lattice there are two crystallographically unique iron(II) ions surrounded octahedrally by a 1,2,3-triazole ring coordinated through nitrogen atoms N3. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that spin crossover for each crystallographically independent iron(II) ion proceeds at a different temperature (T_1/2(Fe1) = 201 K; T_1/2(Fe2) = 216 K), while the magnetic measurements showed that there is one step, complete thermally induced spin crossover (T_1/2 = 205 K). Complex 1 undergoes, with time, single crystal-to-single crystal transformation (SCSC) to the converted system (1c) from the R3̄ to the P6₃ space group, accompanied by significant changes in the lattice parameter c (a shortening of approximately one-third) and consequently unit cell volume. Structural transformation is associated with rebuilding of the polymeric layer as well as the anion network, which is reflected in the results of Mössbauer studies. In the polymorphic system (1c) there are three crystallographically independent iron(II) ions. The temperature dependence results for magnetic susceptibility indicated complete, one-step spin crossover very similar to that of 1; however, single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 1c revealed that spin crossover for each crystallographically independent iron(II) ion occurs in a different manner, revealing three elementary stages (T_1/2(Fe1) = 200 K; T_1/2(Fe2) = 212 K, T_1/2(Fe3) = 214 K).

Thermodriven, Acidity-Driven, and Photodriven Spin-State Switching in Pyridylacylhydrazoneiron(II) Complexes at or above Room Temperature

The magnetic bistability of spin-crossover (SCO) materials is highly appealing for applications as molecular switches and information storage. However, switching of the spin state around room temperature remains challenging. In this work, we reported the successful manipulation of the spin states of two iron(II) complexes (1-Fe and 2-Fe) based on pyridylacylhydrazone ligands in manifold ways. Both complexes are stabilized in the low-spin (LS) state at room temperature because of the strong ligand-field strength imposed by the ligands. 2-Fe shows thermoinduced SCO above room temperature with a very large and reproducible hysteresis (>50 K), while 1-Fe remains in the LS state up to 400 K. Acidity-driven spin-state switching of the two complexes was achieved at room temperature as a result of the complex dissociation and release of iron(II) in its high-spin (HS) state. Recovery of the complex is feasible upon further alkalization treatment in the case of 1-Fe, allowing bidirectional modulation of the spin state of the metal center. Light-driven one-way switching from LS to HS is also achieved by virtue of E-to-Z isomerization at the C═N double bond, which results in dissociation of the complex because of the poor binding affinity in the Z configuration.

Spin-crossover iron(ii) long-chain complex with slow spin equilibrium at low temperatures

A mononuclear complex with long alkyl chains, [Fe^II(H₂Bpz₂)₂(C₉bpy)] (1; H₂Bpz₂ = dihydrobis(1-pyrazolyl)borate, C₉bpy = 4,4'-dinonyl-2,2'-bipyridine), was synthesized. Single-crystal X-ray crystallographic studies revealed that the Δ- and Λ-forms of the complex co-crystallized in the lattice asymmetric unit, while magnetic measurements unveiled that this complex underwent incomplete one-step spin crossover (SCO) with the transition completeness and temperature depending on the measurement velocity because of slow spin equilibrium. Multivariable approaches such as varying scan rate, annealing the sample, light irradiation and pressure have been adopted to effectively overcome the slow spin equilibrium and thus improve the SCO completeness.

Molecular Spin State Switching and Photochromism in the Red and Near Infrared with Ni(II) Chlorin and Ni(II) Bacteriochlorin

Molecules or ions are either paramagnetic (unpaired electrons) or diamagnetic (all electrons are paired). Switching between the two states under ambient conditions was considered a typical solid state phenomenon and has been termed spin crossover. The first single-molecule spin state switches operated with light in solution were developed a decade ago and offer a number of technical applications that are not accessible to solid state systems. Magnetic switching in biological environments, however, requires water solubility, and for in vivo applications, switching wavelengths within the bio-optical window (650-950 nm) are needed. We now present molecular spin state switches that are water-soluble and switchable in the far-red and near-infrared region. At the same time, they are photochromic compounds with excellent photophysical properties. trans-cis isomerization is induced with 505 nm radiation, and cis-trans conversion with 620 or 720 nm radiation. The metastable cis isomers are stable at room temperature for at least several weeks. The detailed mechanism of this surprising and unprecedented long wavelength photoisomerization of azobenzenes is still under investigation.

Controlling dynamic magnetic properties of coordination clusters via switchable electronic configuration

Large-sized coordination clusters have emerged as a new class of molecular materials in which many metal atoms and organic ligands are integrated to synergize their properties. As dynamic magnetic materials, such a combination of multiple components functioning as responsive units has many advantages over monometallic systems due to the synergy between constituent components. Understanding the nature of dynamic magnetism at an atomic level is crucial for realizing the desired properties, designing responsive molecular nanomagnets, and ultimately unlocking the full potential of these nanomagnets for practical applications. Therefore, this review article highlights the recent development of large-sized coordination clusters with dynamic magnetic properties. These dynamic properties can be associated with spin transition, electron transfer, and valence fluctuation through their switchable electronic configurations. Subsequently, the article also highlights specialized characterization techniques with different timescales for supporting switching mechanisms, chemistry, and properties. Afterward, we present an overview of coordination clusters (such as cyanide-bridged and non-cyanide assemblies) with dynamic magnetic properties, namely, spin transition and electron transfer in magnetically bistable systems and mixed-valence complexes. In particular, the response mechanisms of coordination clusters are highlighted using representative examples with similar transition principles to gain insights into spin state and mixed-valence chemistry. In conclusion, we present possible solutions to challenges related to dynamic magnetic clusters and potential opportunities for a wide range of intelligent next-generation devices.

Sublimable Spin-Crossover Complexes: From Spin-State Switching to Molecular Devices

Spin-crossover (SCO) active transition metal complexes are an important class of switchable molecular materials due to their bistable spin-state switching characteristics at or around room temperature. Vacuum-sublimable SCO complexes are a subclass of SCO complexes suitable for fabricating ultraclean spin-switchable films desirable for applications, especially in molecular electronics/spintronics. Consequently, on-surface SCO of thin-films of sublimable SCO complexes have been studied employing spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, and results of fundamental and technological importance have been obtained. This Review provides complete coverage of advances made in the field of vacuum-sublimable SCO complexes: progress made in the design and synthesis of sublimable functional SCO complexes, on-surface SCO of molecular and multilayer thick films, and various molecular and thin-film device architectures based on the sublimable SCO complexes.

Spin crossover crystalline materials engineered via single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations

This highlight illustrates the latest crystalline materials engineered via SCSC transformations, with emphasis on the onset and progress of spin crossover in a crystal control.

Spin-Crossover Properties of an Iron(II) Coordination Nanohoop

Addition of the bipyridyl-embedded cycloparaphenylene nanohoop bipy[9]CPP to [Fe{H₂ B(pyz)₂ }] (pyz=pyrazolyl) produces the distorted octahedral complex [Fe(bipy[9]CPP){H₂ B(pyz)₂ }₂ ] (1). The molecular structure of 1 shows that the nanohoop ligand contains a non-planar bipy unit. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate spin-crossover (SCO) behaviour with a T_1/2 of 130 K, lower than that of 160 K observed with the related compound [Fe(bipy){H₂ B(pyz)₂ }₂ ] (2), which contains a conventional bipy ligand. A computational study of 1 and 2 reveals that the curvature of the nanohoop leads to the different SCO properties, suggesting that the SCO behaviour of iron(II) can be tuned by varying the size and diameter of the nanohoop.

Synthesis, Photophysical, Photochromic, and Photomodulated Resistive Memory Studies of Dithienylethene-Containing Copper(I) Diimine Complexes

A series of dithienylethene-containing copper(I) diimine complexes have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Systematic studies on their photophysics, electrochemistry, and photochromism have been carried out. The photoinduced color changes of the copper(I) complexes have been achieved by photoexcitation into the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) absorption bands, indicating the photosensitization of light-induced cyclization by the ³MLCT excited state. In addition, by an increase in either the steric bulkiness around the copper(I) center or the structural rigidity of the complexes, the quantum efficiencies of photoluminescence and photocyclization can be effectively enhanced because of suppression of the flattening distortion of the complexes at the MLCT excited state. Furthermore, one of the complexes has been employed as an active component in the fabrication of solution-processed resistive memory devices. Notable lowering of the switching threshold voltage of the binary memory devices has been realized through photocyclization of the dithienylethene-containing copper(I) system.

Crystal structure of bis(5-bromo-1,10-phenanthroline-κ2 N,N')bis-[di-hydro-bis-(pyrazol-1-yl)borato-κ2 N 2,N 2']iron(II) toluene disolvate

The structure determination of the title compound was undertaken as part of a project on the modification and synthesis of new spin-crossover (SCO) compounds based on octa-hedral FeII bis-(pyrazol-yl)borate complexes. In the course of these investigations, the compound [Fe(C6H8BN4)2(C12H7BrN2)] was synthesized, for which magnetic measurements revealed an incomplete spin-crossover behaviour. Crystallization of this compound from toluene led to the formation of crystals of the toluene disolvate, [Fe(C6H8N4B)2(C12H7N2Br)]·2C7H8. Its asymmetric unit comprises two discrete metal complex mol-ecules and two toluene solvent mol-ecules. One of the latter is severely disordered and its contribution to the diffracted intensities was removed using the SQUEEZE routine [Spek (2015 ▸). Acta Cryst. C71, 9-18]. In each complex mol-ecule, the FeII cation is coordinated by the two N atoms of a 5-bromo-1,10-phenanthroline ligand and by two pairs of N atoms of chelating di-hydro-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)borate ligands in the form of a slightly distorted octa-hedron. The discrete complexes are arranged in columns along the a-axis direction with the toluene solvate mol-ecules located between the columns. The 5-bromo-1,10-phenanthroline ligands of neighbouring columns are approximately parallel and are slightly shifted relative to each other, indicating π-π inter-actions.

Crystal structure of bis-{(3,5-di-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl)di-hydro-[3-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrazol-1-yl]-borato}iron(II)

The structure determination of [Fe(C13H15BN5)2] was undertaken as part of a project on the modification of the recently published spin-crossover (SCO) complex [Fe{H2B(pz)(pypz)}2] (pz = pyrazole, pypz = pyridyl-pyrazole). To this end, a new ligand was synthesized in which two additional methyl groups are present. Its reaction with iron tri-fluoro-methane-sulfonate led to a pure sample of the title compound, as proven by X-ray powder diffraction. The asymmetric unit consists of one complex mol-ecule in a general position. The FeII atom is coordinated by two tridentate N-binding {H2B(3,5-(CH3)2-pz)(pypz)}- ligands. The Fe-N bond lengths range between 2.1222 (13) and 2.3255 (15) Å, compatible with FeII in the high-spin state, which was also confirmed by magnetic measurements. Other than a very weak C-H⋯N non-classical hydrogen bond linking individual mol-ecules into rows extending parallel to [010], there are no remarkable inter-molecular inter-actions.

Spin-crossover behavior of bis[dihydrobis(4-methylpyrazol-1-yl-borate)]-(2,2'-bipyridine)iron and analogous complexes in the bulk and in thin films: Elucidating the influence of π-π-interactions on the type of spin transition

The new complex [Fe(H₂B(4-CH₃-pz)₂)₂(bipy)] (1, pz  =  pyrazole, bipy  =  2,2'-bipyridine) is synthesized and investigated by temperature-dependent magnetic measurements, Mößbauer, electronic absorption and vibrational spectroscopy as well as single crystal x-ray diffraction. In the crystal structure of 1 the complexes are pairwise linked to dimers by intermolecular π-π interactions between their bipyridine ligands, with a shortest intradimer distance between two neighboring pyridine rings of 3.575 Å. Analysis of the crystal structures of related iron(II) bis(dihydrobis(pyrazoyl)borate) complexes reveals that most of them contain similar dimers, and that at short π-π intra-dimer distances the complexes are locked in the high-spin state whereas at long distances complete thermal spin crossover (SCO) is observed. Compound 1 with an intermediate π-π intra-dimer distance shows incomplete SCO in the bulk but complete SCO in vacuum-deposited thin films where intermolecular interactions are absent. The implications of this remarkable structure-property relationship are discussed.

Light- and temperature-assisted spin state annealing: accessing the hidden multistability

Among responsive multistable materials, spin crossover (SCO) systems are of particular interest for stabilizing multiple spin states with various stimulus inputs and physical outputs. Here, in a 2D Hofmann-type coordination polymer, [Fe(isoq)₂{Au(CN)₂}₂] (isoq = isoquinoline), a medium-temperature annealing process is introduced after light/temperature stimulation, which accesses the hidden multistability of the spin state. With the combined effort of magnetic, crystallographic and Mössbauer spectral investigation, these distinct spin states are identified and the light- and temperature-assisted transition pathways are clarified. Such excitation-relaxation and trapping-relaxation joint mechanisms, as ingenious interplays between the kinetic and thermodynamic effects, uncover hidden possibilities for the discovery of multistable materials and the development of multistate intelligent devices.

Two new two-stage manipulation protocols, namely light- and temperature-assisted spin state annealing (LASSA/TASSA), are applied to a spin crossover coordination polymer, [Fe(isoq)₂{Au(CN)₂}₂], revealing the hidden multistability of spin states.

Spin Transition of an Iron(II) Organoborate Complex in Different Polymorphs and in Vacuum-Deposited Thin Films: Influence of Cooperativity

Two polymorphic modifications (1-I and 1-II) of the new spin crossover (SCO) complex [Fe{H₂B(pz)(pypz)}₂] (pz = pyrazole, pypz = pyridylpyrazole; 1) were prepared and investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), magnetic measurements, Mößbauer, vibrational, and absorption spectroscopy as well as single-crystal and X-ray powder diffraction. DSC measurements reveal that upon heating the thermodynamically metastable form 1-II to ∼178 °C it transforms into 1-I in an exothermic reaction, which proves that these modifications are related by monotropism. Both forms show thermal SCO with T_1/2 values of 390 K (1-II) and 270 K (1-I). An analysis of the crystal structures of 1-II and the corresponding Zn(II) (2) and Co(II) (3) complexes that are isotypic with 1-I reveals that form II consists of dimers coupled by strong intramolecular π···π interactions, which is not the case for 1-I. In agreement with these findings, investigations of thin films of 1, where significant π···π interactions should be absent, reveal SCO behavior similar to that of 1-I. These results underscore the importance of cooperativity for the spin-transition behavior of this class of complexes.

External stimuli modulate the magnetic relaxation of lanthanide single-molecule magnets

The magnetic relaxation of lanthanide single-molecule magnets (Ln-SMMs) can be modulated reversibly by external stimuli including light irradiation, thermal treatment, protonation/deprotonation and oxidation/reduction etc.

Two [Ln4] molecular rings folded as compact tetrahedra

A new highly photo-switchable ligand furnishes supramolecular tetrahedral nanomagnets with Ln(iii) ions (Ln = Dy, Tb). Intramolecular weak interactions define the conformation of the ligand, quenching the photochromic activity.

Photochromic diarylethene ligands featuring 2-(imidazol-2-yl)pyridine coordination site and their iron(II) complexes

A new family of photochromic diarylethene-based ligands bearing a 2-(imidazol-2-yl)pyridine coordination unit has been developed. Four members of the new family have been synthesized. The photoactive ligands feature non-aromatic ethene bridges (cyclopentene, cyclopentenone, and cyclohexenone), as well as closely spaced photoactive and metal coordination sites aiming a strong impact of photocyclization on the electronic structure of the coordinated metal ion. The ligands with cyclopentenone and cyclohexenone bridges show good cycloreversion quantum yields of 0.20-0.32. The thermal stability of closed-ring isomers reveals half-lives of up to 20 days in solution at room temperature. The ligands were used to explore coordination chemistry with iron(II) targeting photoswitchable spin-crossover complexes. Unexpectedly, dinuclear and tetranuclear iron(II) complexes were obtained, which were thoroughly characterized by X-ray crystallography, magnetic measurements, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The formation of multinuclear complexes is facilitated by two coordination sites of the diarylethene, acting as a bridging ligand. The bridging nature of the diarylethene in the complexes prevents photocyclization.

Spin-crossover modulation via single-crystal to single-crystal photochemical [2 + 2] reaction in Hofmann-type frameworks

This study reports the first modulation of spin-crossover (SCO) behavior via a photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. Here we construct two no-solvent Fe(ii)-Ag(i) bimetallic Hofmann-type frameworks, [Fe(4-spy)2{Ag(CN)2}2] (1) and [Fe(2,4-bpe)2{Ag(CN)2}2] (2) (4-spy = 4-styrylpyridine, 2,4-bpe = trans-1-(2-pyridyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)ethylene). For 1, the dimerization of 4-spy results in a single-crystal to single-crystal (SCSC) transformation from 2D interdigitated layers to a 3D interpenetrated structure. Additionally, a 3D → 3D structural transformation accompanied with Ag(i)-N bond breaking is achieved via the photochemical cycloaddition reaction of 2,4-bpe in 2. More importantly, both the spin transition temperatures and the SCO character are effectively modulated; thus, this approach provides a new strategy for constructing photo-responsive SCO magnetic materials.

Crystal structure of bis-[di-hydro-bis-(pyrazol-1-yl)borato-κ2 N 2,N 2'](1,10-phenanthroline-κ2 N,N')zinc(II)

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Zn(C6H8N4B)2(C12H8N2)], comprises one half of a ZnII cation (site symmetry 2), one di-hydro-bis-(pyrazol-1-yl)borate ligand in a general position, and one half of a phenanthroline ligand, the other half being completed by twofold rotation symmetry. The ZnII cation is coordinated in form of a slightly distorted octa-hedron by the N atoms of a phenanthroline ligand and by two pairs of N atoms of symmetry-related di-hydro-bis-(pyrazol-1-yl)borate ligands. The discrete complexes are arranged into columns that elongate in the c-axis direction with a parallel alignment of the phenanthroline ligands, indicating weak π-π inter-actions.

Light-controlled switching of the spin state of iron(III)

Controlled switching of the spin state of transition metal ions, particularly of Fe^II and Fe^III, is a prerequisite to achieve selectivity, efficiency, and catalysis in a number of metalloenzymes. Here we report on an iron(III) porphyrin with a photochromic axial ligand which, upon irradiation with two different wavelengths reversibly switches its spin state between low-spin (S = ¹/₂) and high-spin (S = ⁵/₂) in solution (DMSO-acetone, 2:598). The switching efficiency is 76% at room temperature. The system is neither oxygen nor water sensitive, and no fatigue was observed after more than 1000 switching cycles. Concomitant with the spin-flip is a change in redox potential by ~60 mV. Besides serving as a simple model for the first step of the cytochrome P450 catalytic cycle, the spin switch can be used to switch the spin-lattice relaxation time T₁ of the water protons by a factor of 15.

Controlled switching of the spin state of transition metal ions is key in many enzymatic reactions, but difficult to replicate in synthetic systems. Here the authors report on an iron(III) porphyrin with a photochromic axial ligand that, in solution, reversibly switches between low-spin and high-spin upon irradiation with two different wavelengths.

Modulation of the carboxamidine redox potential through photoinduced spiropyran or fulgimide isomerisation

Carboxamidines functionalized with either a spiropyran or fulgimide photoswitch were prepared on multigram scales. The thermal, electrochemical, and photochemical ring isomerizations of these compounds were studied and the results compared with related systems. The photochemical isomerisations were found to be reversible and could be followed by 1H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy. The spiropyran/merocyanine couple was thermally active and an activation enthalpy of 116 kJ mol-1 was measured for ring-opening. These measurements yielded an enthalpy difference of 25 kJ mol-1 between the open and closed states which is consistent with DFT calculations. DFT calculations predicted a charge transfer to the carboxamidine group upon ring closure in the fulgimide and a charge transfer from the carboxamidine group upon switching the spiropyran to the merocyanine form. This was confirmed experimentally by monitoring the change in the oxidation potential assigned to the carboxamidine group. The potential of these molecules to therefore act as a new class of photoresponsive ligands that can modulate the ligand field of a complex is discussed.

Photochemical reactions of metal complexes in the solid state

This perspective focusses on the solid-state reactivity and structural transformation driven by photochemical methods in discrete metal complexes, organometallic compounds, metallo-macrocycles and cages. Changes in the metal-metal bond distances, racemization of chiral centres, fusion of cages, formation of coordination polymers, expected [2 + 2] and [4 + 4] cycloaddition products, unusual phenyl-olefin dimerization, and linkage isomerization of -SO₂, -NO & -NO₂ ligands cause the structural transformations. Of these, [2 + 2] photo-cycloaddition reactions have been widely studied and the photoreactions are made possible by various supramolecular interactions including hydrogen bonds, metallophilic, ππ and C-Hπ interactions, ligand design and metallic clips to bring the reactive functional groups closely into correct orientation close to the transition state. These photoreactions are often accompanied by crystal bending, mechanical motion, and changes in the magnetic and photoluminescence properties. In several cases, the single crystals have been preserved at the end of the reactions, which are known as single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) reactions.

Coordination Compounds with Photochromic Ligands: Ready Tunability and Visible Light-Sensitized Photochromism

Photochromic compounds are well-known for their promising applications in many areas. In this context, many different photochromic families have been developed. As the early study of these photochromic compounds was mainly focused on the organic system, their photochromic reactivity was mainly derived from the singlet excited state. We hypothesized that the incorporation of the photochromic ligand to the transition metal complex and coordination complex systems would not only render the triplet state of the organic photochromic system more readily accessible due to the large spin-orbit coupling of the heavy metal center but also would lead to ready extension of the excitation wavelength to less destructive longer wavelength low-energy excitation. On the other hand, the long-lived triplet excited states of the metal complexes are also suitable for energy or electron transfer processes, which should lead to new photochromic behavior and photoswitchable functional properties. Through the incorporation of the stilbene-, azo-, spirooxazine-, and dithienylethene-containing ligands to transition metal complex systems with heavy metal centers and suitable excited states, triplet state photosensitized photochromism has been achieved. With the triplet state photosensitization, the photochromism of these compounds could be extended from the high energy UV region to the visible region. In the development of dithienylethene-containing ligands, we have adopted an alternative strategy, which involves the incorporation of nitrogen and sulfur heterocycles that directly form part of the dithienylethene framework as ligands to exert a much stronger perturbation and influence on the excited state properties of the photochromic unit by the metal center. On the basis of the new design, wide ranges of dithienylethene-containing ligands, including phenanthrolines, 2-pyridylimidazoles, N-pyridylimidazol-2-ylidenes, cyclometalating thienylpyridines, β-diketonates, and β-ketoiminates have been designed and incorporated into various coordination systems. Apart from the photosensitization, tuning of the closed form absorption and photochromic behavior based on the perturbation of the metal center, coordination-assisted planarization, modification of the ancillary ligands and introduction of various electronic excited states derived from the coordination system have been successfully demonstrated. This strategy can be used for developing NIR photochromic dithienylethenes. With the above effects observed upon the coordination to different transition metal centers and central atoms, this strategy offers a simple and effective way for the modification of the photochromic characteristics. Moreover, the emission and other functional properties of the coordination systems could also be photoswitched by the photochromic reactions.

Switching Magnetic Properties by a Mechanical Motion

Switching magnetic properties have attracted a wide interest from inorganic chemist for the objectives of information storage and quantum computing at the molecular level. This review is focused on magnetic switches based on a mechanical motion, which is an innovative approach. Three main strategies to control magnetic properties by a mechanical motion have been developed in the literature and will be described. The first one (ligand-induced spin change) consists in modulating the ligand field strength by a configuration change of the ligand in spin-crossover complexes. The second one (coordination-induced spin-state switching) is based on a change in the coordination number of a metallic center that is triggered by the motion of one ligand. The third one uses the modulation of the exchange interaction between two spin-centers by a mechanical motion.