Rational assembly of metal-oxo clusters into molecular materials via a “wheel mounting” mode

We devised a new self-assembly method towards the construction of molecular materials via a “wheel mounting” mode of [Ti₃M] (M = Co or Zn) clusters. Assembly of these clusters was designable and customizable into desirable size, shape, and properties. An optical-driven molecular transition was realized with the stimulus–response of photochromism. This work not only provides an approach towards predictable and designable clusters, it also establishes a cluster-based structural model of molecular materials.