Unlocking Enhanced Switching Capacities in DASA-Functionalized Coordination Complex.

The fusion of photoswitchable molecules with coordination chemistry paves the way for the development of smart materials. This study explores the potential of Donor-Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts (DASAs), a novel class of organic photoswitches characterized by negative photochromism and visible-light responsiveness. To enhance their functional capabilities and overcome inherent limitations, we adopt a dual-site coordination approach, synthesizing the first well-defined crystalline coordination complex from DASAs.

Enriched switching in a donor-acceptor Stenhouse adduct reversible covalent bonding.

We have utilized reversible covalent bonding to expand the accessible states of a molecular switch. Introducing a hydroxyl group onto the donor moiety of a donor-acceptor Stenhouse adduct (DASA) imparts an acidity response by forming an oxazolidine ring through intramolecular nucleophilic addition. Furthermore, we observed distinct color changes under cryogenic conditions, extending the thermal responsiveness beyond the cyclization equilibrium observed at elevated temperatures.