A switchable NLO organic-inorganic compound based on conformationally chiral disulfide molecules and Bi(III)I5 iodobismuthate networks

A novel organic-inorganic hybrid based on cystamine and BiI5 chains is prepared. Due to the flexibility of the disulfide molecules in the structure, single crystals or crystalline thin films of this hybrid undergo a reversible acentric-tocentric structural transition at moderate conditions (T=36.8 degrees C). This makes the title compound an excellent candidate for temperature controlled SHG or THG switches.