Mechanical motion in the solid state and molecular recognition: reversible cis–trans transformation of an organic receptor in a solid–liquid crystalline state reaction triggered by anion exchange

Abstract

An organic receptor [C₂₈H₂₄N₄]²⁺ can be obtained with its unusual cis-form when it is ion-paired with a [Zn(dmit)₂]²⁻ coordination complex anion with the isolation of [C₂₈H₂₄N₄][Zn(dmit)₂]·2DMF (2). Compound 2 shows reversible cis–trans isomerization of the cationic receptor in a solid to solid transformation in a solid–liquid interface reaction.