Single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations triggered by dehydration in polyoxometalate-based compounds

Area of Science:

• Solid-state chemistry
• Crystal engineering
• Materials science

Background:

• Single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformations are solid-state phase transitions.
• These transitions preserve crystal integrity and long-range structural order.
• SCSC transformations allow monitoring property changes in stimuli-responsive materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile and review dehydration-triggered SCSC transformations in polyoxometalate (POM)-based compounds.
• To highlight the structural aspects of these transformations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of reported SCSC transformation studies in POM compounds.
• Analysis of structural changes induced by dehydration.

Main Results:

• Dehydration is a common stimulus for SCSC transformations in POM compounds.
• These transformations involve changes in crystal structure and material properties.
• Examples of POM-based compounds exhibiting dehydration-triggered SCSC transformations are presented.

Conclusions:

• SCSC transformations in POMs offer a pathway to tune material properties via structural changes.
• Dehydration-induced SCSC transformations are a key area within POM crystal engineering.
• Further research into these phenomena can lead to novel stimuli-responsive materials.