Large Dielectric Modulation Triggered by Spin Crossover in Polar Hofmann-Type Polymers

Abstract

The integration of switchable magnetic and electric properties in a single-phase material remains a key goal in magnetoelectric material design. Herein, we report two Fe(II)-based Hofmann-type coordination polymers exhibiting ligand-directed spin crossover (SCO) coupled with tunable dielectric responses. By systematically varying the geometry and electronic nature of bridging ligands, we achieve distinct symmetry arrangements and bistabilities. A bent Bib ligand yields a centrosymmetric phase (C2/c, {FeII(Bib)2[AgI(CN)2]}∙ClO4∙2DMF (1), Bib = 1,3-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene) with moderate dielectric contrast (Δε′ ≈ 0.7) and thermal hysteresis (~15 K), while a linear Bpt ligand induces a polar chiral phase (P6₅, {FeII3(Bpt)3[AgI(CN)2]6}2 (2), Bpt = 2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)thiophene) with a gradual SCO spanning 75–218 K and a large dielectric change (Δε′ ≈ 5). This study demonstrates that ligand-enabled symmetry control is an effective approach to realizing magnetoelectric bistability, offering promising implications for multifunctional material design.