“Reversible” photochromism of polyoxomolybdate–viologen hybrids without the need for proton transfer

Abstract

A case study of two new covalently bonded polyoxomolybdate–viologen hybrids revealed that “reversible” photochromic properties can be achieved without the need for proton transfer, and the weak electron-withdrawing ability of the coordinated ligand favors photoreduction of Mo(VI) to Mo(V).