Synergetic magnetic and luminescence switching via solid state phase transitions of the dysprosium–dianthracene complex

Abstract

Manipulating the synergy between magnetic and optical characteristics in a predictable manner by an external stimulus is a highly desirable option to develop smart materials for advanced applications such as information processing and storage in multifunctional devices. Herein we report dinuclear complexes Ln₂L₂(depma₂)Cl₂ (1-Ln, Ln = Dy, Gd; H₂L = N¹,N³-bis(salicylideneimino)diethylenetriamine, depma₂ = photodimerized 9-diethylphosphonomethylanthracene) where the lanthanide ions possess pseudo-D_5h geometries with five equatorial positions occupied by L²⁻ and the axial positions by depma₂ and the Cl⁻ anion. depma₂ acts as a bridge between the equivalent Ln^III ions and can be opened and closed upon heating and light irradiation. 1-Ln experience consecutive structural transformations, first separation of the depma₂ at ca. 170 °C and second elimination of chloroethane at ca. 250 °C, accompanied by a synergetic switch of the photoluminescence and magnetic dynamics for 1-Dy.