A reversible photochemical solid-state transformation in an interpenetrated 3D metal–organic framework with mechanical softness

Abstract

We synthesized a two-fold interpenetrated 3D MOF with two crystallographically distinct CC bonds, which undergoes [2+2] photo-cycloaddition and thermal reversible reaction, in a single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) manner. The softer nature and comparable mechanical properties of the crystals of the parent and cyclized MOFs revealed by nanoindentation allowed rationalizing their structural softness and SCSC transformation behaviour.