Single-Crystal Transformation Engineering the Spin Change of Metal-Organic Frameworks via Cluster Deconstruction.

Spin crossover (SCO) materials with new architectures will expand and enrich the research in the SCO field. Here, we report two metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) containing tetradentate organic ligands and hexatopic linkers [Ag8 X8 (CN)6 ]6- (X=Br and I), which represents the first SCO MOF with clusters as building blocks. The silver halide cluster can be further removed after reacting with lithium tetracyanoquinodimethan (LiTCNQ). Such post-synthetic modification (PSM) is realized via single-crystal to single-crystal (SCSC) transformation from urk to nbo topology. Accordingly, the spin state and fluorescence properties are greatly modified by cluster deconstruction. Therefore, these achievements will provide new ideas for the design of new SCO systems and the development of PSM methods.

Redox-Programmable Spin-Crossover Behaviors in a Cationic Framework.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide versatile platforms to construct multi-responsive materials. Herein, by introducing the neutral tetradentate ligand and the linear dicyanoaurate(I) anion, we reported a rare cationic MOF [FeII(TPB){AuI(CN)2}]I·4H2O·4DMF (TPB = 1,2,4,5-tetra(pyridin-4-yl)benzene) with hysteretic spin-crossover (SCO) behavior near room temperature. This hybrid framework with an open metal site (AuI) exhibits redox-programmable capability toward dihalogen molecules. By means of post-synthetic modification, all the linear [AuI(CN)2]- linkers can be oxidized to square planar [AuIII(CN)2X2]- units, which results in the hysteretic SCO behaviors switching from one-step to two-step for Br2 and three-step for I2. More importantly, the stepwise SCO behaviors can go back to one-step via the reduction by l-ascorbic acid (AA). Periodic DFT calculations using various SCAN-type exchange-correlation functionals have been employed to rationalize the experimental data. Hence, these results demonstrate for the first time that switchable one-/two-/three-stepped SCO dynamics can be manipulated by chemical redox reactions, which opens a new perspective for multi-responsive molecular switches.

Single-Crystal to Single-Crystal Transformation of a Spin-Crossover Hybrid Perovskite via Thermal-Induced Cyanide Linkage Isomerization.

Linkage isomers involving changes in the bonding mode of ambidentate ligands have potential applications in data storage, molecular machines, and motors. However, the observation of the cyanide-linkage-isomerism-induced spin change (CLIISC) effect characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction remains a considerable challenge. Meanwhile, the high-spin and low-spin states can be reversibly switched in spin-crossover (SCO) compounds, which provide the potential for applications to data storage, switches, and sensors. Here, a new perovskite-type SCO framework (PPN)[Fe{Ag(CN)2}3] (PPN+ = bis(trisphenylphosphine)iminium cation) is synthesized, which displays the unprecedented aging and temperature dependences of hysteretic multistep SCO behaviors near room temperature. Moreover, the thermal-induced cyanide linkage isomerization from FeII-N≡C-AgI to FeII-C≡N-AgI is revealed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Raman, and Mössbauer spectra, which is associated with a transition from the mixed spin state to the low-spin state and a dramatic volume shrinkage. Considering the wide use of cyanogen in magnetic systems, the association of CLIISC and SCO opens a new dimension to modulate the spin state and realize a colossal negative thermal expansion.

Guest-Driven Light-Induced Spin Change in an Azobenzene Loaded Metal-Organic Framework.

Stimuli-responsive materials that can be reversibly switched by light are of immense interest. Among them, photo-responsive spin crossover (SCO) complexes have great promises to combine the photoactive inputs with multifaceted outputs into switchable materials and devices. However, the reversible control the spin-state change by photochromic guests is still challenging. Herein, we report an unprecedented guest-driven light-induced spin change (GD-LISC) in a Hofmann-type metal-organic framework (MOF), [Fe(bpn){Ag(CN)2 }2 ]⋅azobenzene. (1, bpn=1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)naphthalene). The reversible trans-cis photoisomerization of azobenzene guest upon UV/Vis irradiation in the solid-state results in the remarkable magnetic changes in a wide temperature range of 10-180 K. This finding not only establishes a new switching mechanism for SCO complexes, but also paves the way toward the development of new generation of photo-responsive magnetic materials.

Two-Step Spin-Crossover with Three Inequivalent FeII Sites in a Two-Dimensional Hofmann-Type Coordination Polymer.

An unprecedented two-step spin-crossover behavior with the sequence of γHS =1↔γHS =3/4↔γHS =1/4 was observed in two-dimensional Hofmann type coordination polymer [Fe(isoq)2 {Ag(CN)2 }2 ] (isoq=isoquinoline), which resulted from three crystallographically inequivalent FeII sites with distinct transition temperatures.

Guest-Switchable Multi-Step Spin Transitions in an Amine-Functionalized Metal-Organic Framework.

Materials with hysteretic multi-step spin-crossover (SCO) have potential application in high-order data storage. Here, an unprecedented hysteretic four-step SCO behavior with the sequence of LS↔HS0.25 LS0.75 ↔HS0.5 LS0.5 ↔ HS0.75 LS0.25 ↔HS is found in a three-dimensional (3D) Hofmann-type metal-organic framework (MOF), which is evidenced by magnetic, differential scanning calorimetry, and crystal data. Further experiments involving guest exchange leads to the first reversible modulation of four-, two-, and one-stepped SCO behaviors, which provides a new strategy for developing multi-step SCO materials.

Symmetry-Supported Magnetic Blocking at 20 K in Pentagonal Bipyramidal Dy(III) Single-Ion Magnets.

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) that can be trapped in one of the bistable magnetic states separated by an energy barrier are among the most promising candidates for high-density information storage, quantum processing, and spintronics. To date, a considerable series of achievements have been made. However, the presence of fast quantum tunnelling of magnetization (QTM) in most SMMs, especially in single-ion magnets (SIMs), provides a rapid relaxation route and often sets up a limit for the relaxation time. Here, we pursue the pentagonal bipyramidal symmetry to suppress the QTM and present pentagonal bipyramidal Dy(III) SIMs [Dy(Cy3PO)2(H2O)5]Cl3·(Cy3PO)·H2O·EtOH (1) and [Dy(Cy3PO)2(H2O)5]Br3·2(Cy3PO)·2H2O·2EtOH (2), (Cy3PO = tricyclohexyl phosphine oxide). Magnetic characterizations reveal their fascinating SMM properties with high energy barriers as 472(7) K for 1 and 543(2) K for 2, along with a record magnetic hysteresis temperature up to 20 K for 2. These results, combined with the ab initio calculations, offer an illuminating insight into the vast possibility and potential of what the symmetry rules can achieve in molecular magnetism.

Spin-Crossover Phenomenon in a Pentanuclear Iron(II) Cluster Helicate.

The first spin-crossover cluster helicate [{Fe(II)(µ-bpt)3}2Fe(II)3(µ3-O)][Fe(II)2(µ-Cl)(µ-bpt)(NCS)4(H2O)]·2H2O·C2H5OH [Hbpt = 3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole] was reported, in which one spin-crossover unit and one low-spin triple-stranded [Fe(II)(bpt)3](-) unit wrapped a rare planar [Fe(II)3(µ3-O)](4+) core to form a bis(triple-helical) cation with trigonal-bipyramidal topology. The origin of different magnetic behaviors of two [Fe(II)(bpt)3](-) units could be ascribed to their different intermolecular interactions.

Tuning the spin-crossover behaviour of a hydrogen-accepting porous coordination polymer by hydrogen-donating guests.

A Hoffman-like coordination polymer with appreciable porosity and uncoordinated pyridyl groups, namely, [Fe(2,5-bpp){Au(CN)2}2]⋅x Solv (2,5-bpp = 2,5-bis(pyrid-4-yl)pyridine; Solv = solvent), was synthesised and characterised. A series of fascinating spin-crossover behaviours with abrupt, stepwise and hysteretic features were obtained by exchange with a range of protic solvents (ethanol, n-propanol, isopropyl alcohol, sec-butanol and isobutanol). Guest-host hydrogen-bonding interactions involving the H-accepting site of the framework are primarily responsible for the pronounced cooperativity of these spin-crossover behaviours. Meanwhile, the tunable critical temperatures over a range of about 130 K are presumably attributable to a certain degree of competition between internal pressure and local electronic influences of solvents.

Hysteretic Spin Crossover in Two-Dimensional (2D) Hofmann-Type Coordination Polymers.

Three new two-dimensional (2D) Hofmann-type coordination polymers with general formula [Fe(3-NH2py)2M(CN)4] (3-NH2py = 3-aminopyridine, M = Ni (1), Pd (2), Pt (3)) have been synthesized. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that they exhibited cooperative spin crossover (SCO) with remarkable hysteretic behaviors. Their hysteresis widths are 25, 37, and 30 K for 1-3, respectively. The single-crystal structure of 1 suggest that the pseudo-octahedral Fe sites are equatorially bridged by [M(CN)4](2-) to form 2D grids and axially coordinated by 3-NH2py ligands. The intermolecular interactions between layers (the offset face-to-face π···π interactions, hydrogen bonds, and weak N(amino)···Ni(II) contacts) together with the covalent bonds bridged by [M(CN)4](2-) units are responsible to the significant cooperativity.

High-temperature spin crossover in two solvent-free coordination polymers with unusual high thermal stability.

Two solvent-free two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymers, (2)∞[Fe(ptim)2] (1) and (2)∞[Fe(ptpy)2] (2) (Hptim = 2-(5-(4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyridine; Hptpy = 2-(5-(4-(pyridin-3-yl)phenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyridine), have been successfully prepared by solvothermal reactions. Their iron atoms are bridged by the corresponding multidentate anionic ligands into dense neutral structures. The magnetic data reveal that complexes 1 and 2 are rare examples exhibiting reversible one-step high-temperature spin crossover behaviors with spin transition temperatures of 419 and 416 K, respectively. Moreover, these structures also display remarkable thermal stability up to 714 K (for 1) and 690 K (for 2), which are confirmed by thermogravimetric and variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction analyses.

Enhanced spin-crossover behavior mediated by supramolecular cooperative interactions.

Three one-dimensional (1D) hetereobimetallic coordination polymers [Fe(II)(L)2(AgCN)2]·Solv (L = bpt(-), 1; L = Mebpt(-), Solv = 1.75EtOH, 2; L = bpzt(-), 3) with in situ generated AgCN species were synthesized by solvothermal reactions of Fe(II) salt, K[Ag(CN)2], and the corresponding ligands [bptH = 3,5-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole, MebptH = 3-(3-methyl-2-pyridyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole, and bpztH = 3,5-bis(pyrazin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole]. They were further characterized by X-ray crystallography, magnetic and photomagnetic measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry. Single-crystal X-ray analyses show that they are isostructural with 1D zigzag chain structures with rhombus {Fe2Ag2} units, in which the substituted bpt(-) ligand connects the Fe(II) ion and AgCN species in a cis bridging mode. Then the zigzag chains are packed into three-dimensional supramolecular structures by π···π interactions. Most importantly, weak Ag···N interactions (2.750 Å at 150 K) between the π-stacked neighboring chains present in complex 3. Magnetic susceptibility measurements exhibit that complex 1 displays characteristic paramagnetic behavior in the temperature range investigated. Complex 2 undergoes a gradual spin-crossover (SCO) with critical temperatures T(1/2)↓ = 232 K and T(1/2)↑ = 235 K, whereas 3 exhibits an abrupt SCO with critical temperatures T(1/2)↓ = 286 K and T(1/2)↑ = 292 K. The magnetostructural relationships suggest that the magnetic behaviors can be modulated from paramagnetic behavior to abrupt and hysteretic SCO near room temperature through adjustment of the electronic substituent effect and intermolecular interactions.

Guest-effected spin-crossover in a novel three-dimensional self-penetrating coordination polymer with permanent porosity.

Porous and nonporous 3D heterobimetallic coordination polymers based on the 1,4-di(pyridin-4-yl)benzene ligand (dpb), [Fe(dpb){Ag(CN)2}{Ag2(CN)3}]·nSolv (1·nSolv; nSolv = DMF·EtOH, 2DMF·MeCN) and [Fe(dpb)2{Ag(CN)2}2] (2), have been synthesized by diffusion technique, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray analysis shows that 1·nSolv consists of a 3D self-penetrating network with in-situ-generated [Ag2(CN)3](-) species and displays one of the largest volume values of porosity (299 Å(3) per iron atom) after desolvation for the Hoffman-like porous SCO coordination polymers to date. In contrast, nonporous compound 2 is composed of two independent interpenetrated 3D nets with in-situ-generated [Ag(dpb)(CN)2](-) species. Their significant distinctions of structural architectures lead to dramatically different magnetic properties: 1·nSolv displays two-step guest-effected SCO with hysteresis, whereas 2 presents characteristic paramagnetic behavior.

Spin-crossover behavior in two new supramolecular isomers.

Two spin-crossover (SCO) supramolecular isomers formulated as [Fe(Mebpt){Au(CN)2}]n·xH2O (1, x = 0, and 2·H2O, x = n, MebptH = 3-(5-methyl-2-pyridyl)-5-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole) have been successfully isolated and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction, and magnetic measurements. Structural analysis reveals that 1 is a two-dimensional coordination layer and 2·H2O is a one-dimensional coordination ladder structure, in which the Mebpt(-) ligands are coordinated in trans and cis bridging mode in 1 and 2·H2O, respectively. Dramatically, their SCO properties are further influenced by the octahedral coordination configuration of Fe(II). In 1, only the Fe(II) centers in trans configuration exhibit spin transition (Tc = 303 K), while in 2·H2O and the dehydrated 2, gradual two-step SCO (Tc1 = 235 K, Tc2 = 313 K) and one-step SCO behaviors (Tc = 315 K) occur, respectively.

Bidirectional photomagnetism, exciplex fluorescence and dielectric anomalies in a spin crossover Hofmann-type coordination polymer.

Stepped spin crossover (SCO) complexes with three or more spin states have promising applications in high-order data storage, multi-switches and multi-sensors. Further synergy with other functionalities, such as luminescence and dielectric properties, will provide a good chance to develop novel multifunctional SCO materials. Here, a bent pillar ligand and luminescent pyrene guest are integrated into a three-dimensional (3D) Hofmann-type metal-organic framework (MOF) [Fe(dpoda){Au(CN)2}2]·pyrene (dpoda = 2,5-di-(pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole). The magnetic data show an incomplete and two-step SCO behavior with the sequence of 1 ↔ 1/2 ↔ 1/4. The rare bi-directional light-induced excited spin-state trapping (LIESST) effect and light-induced stepped thermal relaxation after LIESST are observed. The pyrene guests interact with dpoda ligands via offset face-to-face π⋯π interactions to form intermolecular exciplex emissions. The competition between thermal quenching and stepped SCO properties results in a complicated and stepped exciplex fluorescence. Moreover, the stepped dielectric property with higher dielectric permittivity at lower temperature may be related to the more frustrated octahedral distortion parameters in the intermediate spin states. Hence, a 3D Hofmann-type MOF with bent pillar ligands and fluorescent guests illustrates an effective way for the development of multifunctional switching materials.

Two-dimensional spin-crossover coordination polymers based on the 1,1,2,2-tetra(pyridin-4-yl)ethene ligand.

A series of two-dimensional (2D) spin-crossover coordination polymers (SCO-CPs) [FeII(TPE)(NCX)2]·solv (1: X = BH3, solv = H2O·2CH3OH·DMF; 2: X = Se, solv = H2O·2CH3OH·0.5DMF; 3: X = S, solv = H2O·2CH3OH·0.5DMF) were synthesized by employing 1,1,2,2-tetra(pyridin-4-yl)ethene (TPE) and pseudohalide (NCX-) coligands. Magnetic measurements indicated that complexes 1-3 exhibited SCO behaviors with diminishing thermal hysteresis (7/4/0 K) upon decreasing the ligand-field strength. The critical temperatures (Tc) during spin transition were found to be inversely proportional to the coordination ability parameters (a™) with a linear correlation. The guest effect was also investigated in the solvent-exchanged phases 1-SE/2-SE/3-SE wherein the DMF molecules were replaced by methanol molecules. Compared with 1-3, 1-SE/2-SE/3-SE displayed more abrupt and complete single-step SCO behaviors but narrower thermal hysteretic loops. The results reported here demonstrate that the Tc values of these two families were dominated by the ligand-field strength of the NCX- anions (NCBH3 > NCSe > NCS), whereas the guest effect only modulated the kinetic factor of the SCO nature in this system.

Single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation from 1 D staggered-sculls chains to 3 D NbO-type metal-organic framework through [2+2] photodimerization.

A new approach to synthesize 3D structures through a [2+2] photodimerization process has been carried out by transforming two isostructures of 1D staggered-sculls chains [M(1,2-chdc)(bpe)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]⋅H(2)O (M = Zn, Mn) into 3D NbO-type metal-organic frameworks through UV irradiation in single-crystal-to-single-crystal mode. (see figure; bpe = trans-1,2-(bis(4-pyridyl)ethene, chdc =cyclohexanedicarboxylate).

A spin-crossover phenomenon in a 2D heterometallic coordination polymer with [Pd(SCN)4]2- building blocks.

Two new two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymers, [FeII(L)2{PdII(SCN)4}] (L1 = 3-(9-anthracenyl)-pyridine (1) and L2 = 4-(9-anthracenyl)-pyridine (2)), were constructed by employing square-planar [Pd(SCN)4]2- building blocks. Compound 1 exhibits a complete spin-crossover (SCO) behaviour under normal atmospheric pressure, and represents the first SCO example in a 2D system containing [Pd(SCN)4]2- units. In contrast, compound 2 only shows paramagnetic behaviour at measured temperatures. It is clear that the fine-tuning of the monodentate ligand can modulate the ligand field and packing fashions, which sheds light on developing new SCO materials.

Spin-crossover in an organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite.

The first spin-crossover (SCO) complex with an organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite structure (PPN)[Fe{Au(CN)2}3] (1) is reported, which displays three-step SCO behaviour. The light-induced excited spin-state trapping measurement gives T0 = 134 K for a three-dimensional FeL3-type (L = bis-monodentate ligand) SCO complex. Moreover, spin-state dependent fluorescence is observed in 1.

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.