Dual-Responsive Spin-Crossover Cages

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Anna McConnell
• Subject Area: Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation ; Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2019 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 429518153

Spin-crossover compounds can change their spin-state in response to stimuli, such as temperature and light, and they show promise in applications as electronic switches and sensors. Metal-organic cages have gained attention as molecular containers for their potential to encapsulate guest molecules with high affinity within their cavities. Recently, spin-crossover Fe(II) cages have emerged as a new class of spin-crossover compounds where guest encapsulation can tune the spin-crossover properties. However, there are still relatively few examples of spin-crossover cages and the influence of cooperative effects and host-guest chemistry on spin-crossover is still not well understood. In this project, dual-responsive spin-crossover cages will be developed where both temperature and light can switch the spin-state of the Fe(II) centres in the cage between high and low spin. The role of cooperative effects and host-guest chemistry on the spin-crossover will also be investigated. Through these studies, a greater understanding of spin-crossover in multinuclear architectures will be gained, enabling their improved rational design for applications like sensing.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants