Dynamic Self-Assembly from Mixed-Valence Metal Complexes and Their Reversible Transformations by External Stimuli

Abstract

Lipid packaged dinuclear ruthenium (II,III) complexes of class III mixed-valent state produce a reversible hypochromic effect in dichloromethane upon external physical stimuli, such as shaking, due to the arrangement of transition dipole moments. In addition, the complexes display morphological changes with aging of the solution. Formation of a bilayer structure causes morphological evolution from microtapes to microtubes, giving rise to changes in absorption spectral intensities. Moreover, these morphological and spectral changes can be reversed by standing and shaking. The concept of lipid packaging could also be expanded to other useful coordination compounds and will allow us to further develop the nanochemistry of coordination materials.