Controlled formation of chiral networks and their reversible chiroptical switching behaviour by UV/microwave irradiation†
Abstract
A 3D coordination polymer {[Cd(L1)(L2)]2}n (1) spontaneously resolves into enantiomorphic crystals of 1P and 1M without any chiral source. Bulk quantities of 1P and 1M can be predictably and reliably obtained by using chiral cyclohexane-1,2-diamine. 1 can be transformed into {[Cd(L1)(L3)0.5]2}n (2) by highly selective [2+2] photodimerization of L2 ligands. The reverse process can be achieved by microwave irradiation. The cycloreversion/cycloaddition cycles result in chiroptical switching behavior.
- This article is part of the themed collection: SU 120: Celebrating 120 Years of Soochow University