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

Abstract

Vapor-triggered crystal-to-crystal transformation between a discrete trinuclear complex [Ni₃(sih)₂(py)₈] and a two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymer [Ni₃(sih)₂(py)₂]_n·2DMF·2H₂O 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.