Spin crossover metal-organic frameworks with inserted photoactive guests: on the quest to control the spin state by photoisomerization

Three Hofmann-like metal-organic frameworks {Fe(bpac)[Pt(CN)(4)]}center dot G (bpac = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)acetylene) were synthesized with photoisomerizable guest molecules (G = trans-azobenzene, trans-stilbene or cis-stilbene) and were characterized by elemental analysis, thermogravimetry and powder X-ray diffraction. The insertion of guest molecules and their conformation were inferred from Raman and FTIR spectra and from single-crystal X-ray diffraction and confronted with computational simulation. The magnetic and photomagnetic behaviors of the framework are significantly altered by the different guest molecules and different conformations. On the other hand, photoisomerization of the guest molecules becomes strongly hindered by the framework.

Automated summary

The synthesis and characterization of three Hofmann-like metal-organic frameworks with photoisomerizable guest molecules were conducted, revealing the significant influence of different guest molecules and conformations on magnetic and photomagnetic behaviors of the framework. Additionally, the hinderance of photoisomerization of guest molecules by the framework was observed.