Vapor-triggered reversible crystal transformation of a nickel-based magnetic molecular switch

Vapor-triggered crystal-to-crystal transformation between a discrete trinuclear complex [Ni-3(sih)(2)(py)(8)] and a two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymer [Ni-3(sih)(2)(py)(2)](n)center dot 2DMF center dot 2H(2)O was demonstrated. It provides an example of a solid-state coordination-induced spin state switch behavior attributed to the structural phase transition triggered by solvent signal. The reversible nature can be detected by both optical (spectral) and magnetic responses in cycles.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the vapor-triggered crystal-to-crystal transformation between a discrete trinuclear complex and a two-dimensional coordination polymer. The transformation exhibits a coordination-induced spin state switch behavior attributed to the structural phase transition triggered by solvent signal, which can be detected reversibly through optical and magnetic responses.