Regulation of Multistep Spin Crossover Across Multiple Stimuli in a 2-D Framework Material.

We investigate the effects of a broad array of external stimuli on the structural, spin-crossover (SCO) properties and nature of the elastic interaction within the two-dimensional Hofmann framework material [Fe(cintrz)2Pd(CN)4]·guest (cintrz = N-cinnamalidene 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole; A·guest; guest = 3H2O, 2H2O, and Ø). This framework exhibits a delicate balance between ferro- and antiferro-elastic interaction characters; we show that manipulation of the pore contents across guests = 3H2O, 2H2O, and Ø can be exploited to regulate this balance. In A·3H2O, the dominant antiferroelastic interaction character between neighboring FeII sites sees the low-temperature persistence of the mixed spin-state species {HS-LS} for {Fe1-Fe2} (HS = high spin, LS = low spin). Elastic interaction strain is responsible for stabilizing the {HS-LS} state and can be overcome by three mechanisms: (1) partial (2H2O) or complete (Ø) guest removal, (2) irradiation via the reverse light-induced excited spin-state trapping (LIESST) effect (λ = 830 nm), and (3) the application of external hydrostatic pressure. Combining experimental data with elastic models presents a clear interpretation that while guest molecules cause a negative chemical pressure, they also have consequences for the elastic interactions between metals beyond the simple chemical pressure picture typically proposed.

Hierarchical Spin-Crossover Cooperativity in Hybrid 1D Chains of FeII -1,2,4-Triazole Trimers Linked by [Au(CN)2 ]- Bridges.

Foremost, practical applications of spin-crossover (SCO) materials require control of the nature of the spin-state coupling. In existing SCO materials, there is a single, well-defined dimensionality relevant to the switching behavior. A new material, consisting of 1,2,4-triazole-based trimers coordinated into 1D chains by [Au(CN)2 ]- and spaced by anions and exchangeable guests, underwent SCO defined by elastic coupling across multiple dimensional hierarchies. Detailed structural, vibrational, and theoretical studies conclusively confirmed that intra-trimer coupling was an order of magnitude greater than the intramolecular coupling, which was an order of magnitude greater than intermolecular coupling. As such, a clear hierarchy on the nature of elastic coupling in SCO materials was ascertained for the first time, which is a necessary step for the technological development of molecular switching materials.

Heteroatom substitution effects in spin crossover dinuclear complexes.

We probe the effect of heteroatom substitution on the spin crossover (SCO) properties of dinuclear materials of the type [Fe2(NCX)4(R-trz)5]·S (X = S, Se; S = solvent; R-trz = (E)-N-(furan-2-ylmethylene)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine (furtrz); (E)-N-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-4-amine (thtrz)). For the furtrz family ([Fe2(NCX)4(furtrz)5]·furtrz·MeOH; X = S (furtrz-S) and X = Se (furtrz-Se)) gradual and incomplete one-step SCO transitions are observed (furtrz-S (T1/2 = 172 K) and furtrz-Se (T1/2 = 205 K)) and a structural evolution from [HS-HS] to [HS-LS] per dinuclear species. Contrasting this, within the thtrz family ([Fe2(NCX)4(thtrz)5]·4MeOH; X = S (thtrz-S) and X = Se (thtrz-Se)) more varied SCO transitions are observed, with thtrz-S being SCO-inactive (high spin) and thtrz-Se showing a rare complete two-step SCO transition (T1/2(1,2) = 170, 200 K) in which the FeII sites transition from [HS-HS] to [HS-LS] to [LS-LS] per dinuclear unit with no long range ordering of spin-states at the intermediate plateau. Detailed structure-function analyses have been conducted within this growing dinuclear family to rationalise these diverse spin-switching properties.

Guest-Responsive Elastic Frustration "On-Off" Switching in Flexible, Two-Dimensional Spin Crossover Frameworks.

In this study we exploit the flexible nature of porous coordination polymers (PCPs) with integrated spin crossover (SCO) properties to manipulate the multistability of spin-state switching profiles. We previously reported the two-dimensional Hofmann-type framework [Fe(thtrz)2Pd(CN)4]·EtOH,H2O (1·EtOH,H2O), N-thiophenylidene-4 H-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine), displaying a distinctive two-step SCO profile driven by extreme elastic frustration. Here, we reveal a reversible release mechanism for this elastic frustration via stepwise guest removal from the parent phase (1·EtOH,H2O → 1·H2O → 1·Ø). Parallel variable temperature structural and magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal a synergistic framework flexing and "on-off" switching of multistep SCO character concomitant with the onset of guest evacuation. In particular, the two-step SCO properties in 1·EtOH,H2O are deactivated such that both the partially solvated (1·H2O) and desolvated (1·Ø) phases show abrupt and hysteretic one-step SCO behaviors with differing transition temperatures (1·H2O: T1/2↓: 215 T1/2↑: 235 K; 1·Ø: T1/2↓: 170 T1/2↑: 182 K). This "on-off" elastic frustration switching is also reflected in the light-induced excited spin state trapping (LIESST) properties of 1·EtOH,H2O and 1·Ø, with nonquantitative (ca. 50%, i.e., LS ↔ 1:1 HS:LS) and quantitative (ca. 100%, LS ↔ HS) photoinduced spin state conversion achieved under light irradiation (510 nm at 10 K), respectively. Conversely, the two-step SCO properties are retained in the water saturated phase 1·3H2O but with a subtle shift in transition temperatures. Comparative analysis of this and related materials reveals the distinct roles that indirect and direct guest interactions play in inducing, stabilizing, and quantifying elastic frustration and the importance of lattice flexibility in these porous framework architectures.

Four-step iron(ii) spin state cascade driven by antagonistic solid state interactions.

A four-stepped cascade of Fe(ii) high spin (HS) to low spin (LS) states is demonstrated in a family of 2-D Hofmann materials, [Fe3II(saltrz)6(MII(CN)4)3]·8(H2O) (MII = Pd (1Pd ), Pt (1Pt ); saltrz = (E)-2-(((4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)imino)methyl)phenol). Alongside the fully HS and LS Fe(ii) states, fractional spin state stabilization occurs at HS/LS values of 5/6, 2/3, and 1/6. This unconventional spin state periodicity is driven by the presence of multiple spin crossover (SCO) active Fe(ii) sites which are in subtly distinct environments driven by a network of antagonistic host-host and host-guest interactions. Alternating long- and short-range magnetostructural ordering is achieved over the five distinct spin state ratios HS1.0LS0.0, HS0.833LS0.167, HS0.667LS0.333, HS0.167LS0.833, and HS0.0LS1.0 owing to the flexibility of this 2-D interdigitated lattice topology interconnected by intermolecular interactions. A distinct wave-like spin state patterning is structurally evidenced for each intermediate phase.

Spin-State Patterning in an Iron(II) Tripodal Spin-Crossover Complex.

A mononuclear iron(II) complex that displays a gradual two-step spin-crossover (SCO) transition is reported. The intermediate plateau (IP) occurs between HS0.40LS0.60 and HS0.30LS0.70 (HS = high spin; LS = low spin) ratios over the region of ca. 190-170 K. A phase change occurs at the IP, breaking the symmetry, resulting in six independent SCO sites compared to one at the 100% HS and LS plateau regions, respectively. Variable-temperature X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the SCO behavior is completely reversible among the HS, IP, and LS regions. The results both confirm and extend the related results for the above system described by Halcrow et al. (Kulmaczewski R.; Cespedes O.; Halcrow M. A.Gradual Thermal Spin-Crossover Mediated By a Reentrant Z' = 1 → Z' = 6 → Z' = 1 Phase Transition, Inorg. Chem. 2017, 56, 3144-3148) in a recent report.

Exploiting Pressure To Induce a "Guest-Blocked" Spin Transition in a Framework Material.

A new functionalized 1,2,4-triazole ligand, 4-[(E)-2-(5-methyl-2-thienyl)vinyl]-1,2,4-triazole (thiome), was prepared to assess the broad applicability of strategically producing multistep spin transitions in two-dimensional Hofmann-type materials of the type [FeIIPd(CN)4(R-1,2,4-trz)2]·nH2O (R-1,2,4-trz = a 4-functionalized 1,2,4-triazole ligand). A variety of structural and magnetic investigations on the resultant framework material [FeIIPd(CN)4(thiome)2]·2H2O (A·2H2O) reveal that a high-spin (HS) to low-spin (LS) transition is inhibited in A·2H2O due to a combination of guest and ligand steric bulk effects. The water molecules can be reversibly removed with retention of the porous host framework and result in the emergence of an abrupt and hysteretic one-step spin transition due to the removal of guest internal pressure. A spin transition can, furthermore, be induced in A·2H2O (0-0.68 GPa) under hydrostatic pressure, as evidenced by variable-pressure structure and magnetic studies, resulting in a two-step spin transition at ambient temperatures at 0.68 GPa. The presence of a two-step spin crossover (SCO) in A·2H2O under hydrostatic pressure compared to a one-step SCO in A at ambient pressure is discussed in terms of the relative ability of each phase to accommodate mixed HS/LS states according to differing lattice flexibilities.

Reversible Guest Binding in a Non-Porous Fe(II) Coordination Polymer Host Toggles Spin Crossover.

Formation of either a dimetallic compound or a 1 D coordination polymer of adiponitrile adducts of [Fe(bpte)](2+) (bpte=[1,2-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)thio]ethane) can be controlled by the choice of counteranion. The iron(II) atoms of the bis(adiponitrile)-bridged dimeric complex [Fe2 (bpte)2 (µ2 -(NC(CH2 )4 CN)2 ](SbF6 )4 (2) are low spin at room temperature, as are those in the polymeric adiponitrile-linked acetone solvate polymer {[Fe(bpte)(µ2 -NC(CH2 )4 CN)](BPh4 )2 ⋅Me2 CO} (3⋅Me2 CO). On heating 3⋅Me2 CO to 80 °C, the acetone is abruptly removed with an accompanying purple to dull lavender colour change corresponding to a conversion to a high-spin compound. Cooling reveals that the desolvate 3 shows hysteretic and abrupt spin crossover (SCO) S=0↔S=2 behaviour centred at 205 K. Non-porous 3 can reversibly absorb one equivalent of acetone per iron centre to regenerate the same crystalline phase of 3⋅Me2 CO concurrently reinstating a low-spin state.

Multifunctional MOFs through CO2 fixation: a metamagnetic kagome lattice with uniaxial zero thermal expansion and reversible guest sorption.

The properties of atmospheric CO2 fixation, metamagnetism, reversible guest adsorption and zero thermal expansion have been combined in a single robust MOF, [Cu3(bpac)3(CO3)2](ClO4)2·H2O (·H2O). This compound is a ditopically-bridged copper carbonate kagome lattice where desolvation of the MOF allows subtle tuning of the metamagnetic and uniaxial ZTE behaviour.

Thermal- and light-induced spin-crossover bistability in a disrupted Hofmann-type 3D framework.

The expected 3D and 2D topologies resulting from combining approximately linear bis- or monopyridyl ligands with [Fe(II)M(II)(CN)4] (M(II) = Pt, Pd, Ni) 4,4-grid sheets are well established. We show here the magnetic and structural consequences of incorporating a bent bispyridyl linker ligand in combination with [Fe(II)Pt(II)(CN)4] to form the material [Fe(H2O)2Fe(DPSe)2(Pt(CN)4)2]·3EtOH (DPSe = 4,4'-dipyridylselenide). Structural investigations reveal an unusual connectivity loosely resembling a 3D Hofmann topology where (1) there are two distinct local iron(II) environments, [Fe(II)N6] (Fe1) and [Fe(II)N4O2] (Fe2), (2) as a consequence of axial water coordination to Fe2, there are "holes" in the [Fe(II)Pt(II)(CN)4] 4,4 sheets because of some of the cyanido ligands being terminal rather than bridging, and (3) bridging of adjacent sheets occurs only through one in two DPSe ligands, with the other acting as a terminal ligand binding through only one pyridyl group. The magnetic properties are defined by this unusual topology such that only Fe1 is in the appropriate environment for a high-spin to low-spin transition to occur. Magnetic susceptibility data reveal a complete and abrupt hysteretic spin transition (T(1/2)↓ = 120 K and T(1/2)↑ = 130 K) of this iron(II) site; Fe2 remains high-spin. This material additionally exhibits a photomagnetic response (uncommon for Hofmann-related materials), showing light-induced excited spin-state trapping [LIESST; T(LIESST) = 61 K] with associated bistability evidenced in a hysteresis loop (T(1/2)↓ = 60 K and T(1/2)↑ = 66 K).

An investigation of photo- and pressure-induced effects in a pair of isostructural two-dimensional spin-crossover framework materials.

Two new isostructural iron(II) spin-crossover (SCO) framework (SCOF) materials of the type [Fe(dpms)2(NCX)2] (dpms = 4,4'-dipyridylmethyl sulfide; X = S (SCOF-6(S)), X = Se (SCOF-6(Se))) have been synthesized. The 2D framework materials consist of undulating and interpenetrated rhomboid (4,4) nets. SCOF-6(S) displays an incomplete SCO transition with only approximately 30 % conversion of high-spin (HS) to low-spin iron(II) sites over the temperature range 300-4 K (T1/2 = 75 K). In contrast, the NCSe(-) analogue, SCOF-6(Se), displays a complete SCO transition (T1/2 = 135 K). Photomagnetic characterizations reveal quantitative light- induced excited spin-state trapping (LIESST) of metastable HS iron(II) sites at 10 K. The temperature at which the photoinduced stored information is erased is 58 and 50 K for SCOF-6(S) and SCOF-6(Se), respectively. Variable-pressure magnetic measurements were performed on SCOF-6(S), revealing that with increasing pressure both the T1/2 value and the extent of spin conversion are increased; with pressures exceeding 5.2 kbar a complete thermal transition is achieved. This study confirms that kinetic trapping effects are responsible for hindering a complete thermally induced spin transition in SCOF-6(S) at ambient pressure due to an interplay between close T1/2 and T(LIESST) values.

Spin crossover intermediate plateau stabilization in a flexible 2-D Hofmann-type coordination polymer.

The abrupt and hysteretic two-step spin crossover in a new triazole-based 2-D Hofmann-type complex shows a record breaking 120 K intermediate plateau (IP) region stabilized by negative cooperative interactions.

Self-assembled Co(II) molecular squares incorporating the bridging ligand 4,7-phenanthrolino-5,6:5',6'-pyrazine.

Three high-spin tetranuclear cobalt(II) complexes have been prepared with the bridging ligand 4,7-phenanthrolino-5,6:5',6'-pyrazine (ppz) through metal-ion directed self-assembly. The complexes differ by the incorporation of three different coordinating anions: chloride, thiocyanide and selenocyanide. The physical properties of these complexes have been investigated in detail.