Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Colloids
Published on: April 22, 2016
Guest-Adaptable Spin Crossover Properties in a Dinuclear Species Underpinned by Supramolecular Interactions
John E Clements1, Peter R Airey1, Florence Ragon1
1School of Chemistry , The University of Sydney , Sydney , New South Wales 2006 , Australia.
Abstract:
Molecular crystals with guest-adaptable crystalline structures and properties are comparatively rare owing to their inherent reduced structural stability and malleability to support molecular variation. To overcome this intrinsic challenge, here we introduce structural stabilizing supramolecular interactions into a dinuclear material and henceforth demonstrate a dynamic structural and spin crossover property interchange between solvated (A·3MeOH) and desolvated (A·Ø) products (A = [FeII2( o-NTrz)5(NCS)4]; 4-( o-nitrobenzyl)imino-1,2,4-triazole). Relatively uncommon for molecular species, the guest molecules in A·3MeOH are evolved (A·Ø) via a single-crystal to single-crystal transformation with affiliated phase transition resulting in a reversible transformation from one- to two-step spin crossover (SCO) transition character. We additionally present the water-saturated product (A·3H2O), which distinctly shows an abrupt one-step SCO character with a 22 K wide thermal hysteresis loop. Detailed structure-property analysis highlights that the substantial structural malleability and guest-adaptable SCO properties of this dinuclear species are afforded by the supportive, yet flexible, supramolecular interaction pathways derived from the ligand functionalization.
Related Concept Videos
Crossover Experiments
Crossover designs are performed even with smaller sample sizes since the samples can act as their controls. These are better than simple randomized trials since patients are exposed to all the treatments.
What is a Species?
Keystone Species
Formation of Species
NMR Spectroscopy: Spin–Spin Coupling
Spin–Spin Coupling: One-Bond Coupling

