Spin-crossover phenomena in extended multi-component metallo-supramolecular assemblies

The combination of liquid crystals and spin-crossover(SCO) in one compound offers exciting perspectives for magnetic materials. The liquid crystalline organization of SCO compounds adds another dimension to magnetic materials. The SCO compounds can be for instance reoriented through external fields, which alters the optical properties. In addition, the LC phase transition can induce a SCO in the embedded compounds by inducing mechanical strain, which can perturb the coordination geometry of the central metal ions thus giving rise to a change in the electronic and magnetic properties. So far, this concept has only been implemented in a few material combinations. Here, we review the magnetic properties in metallo-supramolecular coordination polyelectrolyte-amphiphile complexes (PACs). (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.