Development of Metallomesogens with Dynamic Electons

Abstract

The iron(II) compounds [Fe(3Cn-L)2(NCS)2], [Fe(3Cn-bzimpy)2](BF4)2 and the cobalt(II) compounds [Co(Cn-terpy)2](BF4)2 were synthesized and the physical properties of the compounds were characterized by polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray analysis, magnetic susceptibility and dielectric measurements. The iron(II) compounds [Fe(3Cn-L)2(NCS)2] exhibited spin-crossover, photo-induced spin transition and liquid-crystal properties in a single molecule. The iron(II) compounds [Fe(3Cn-bzimpy)2](BF4)2 exhibited spin-crossover and ferroelectric properties. The cobalt(II) compounds [Co(Cn-terpy)2](BF4)2 exhibited a synchronization between the spin-crossover and mesophase transitions. The compounds with multi-function are important in the development of molecular switches and optical materials.