Impact of halogen⋯halogen interaction on the mechanical motion of a 3D Pb(ii) coordination polymer of elusive topology

Abstract

Herein, we report the synthesis of a Pb(II) based three-dimensional coordination polymer (3D CP), [Pb(DCTP)]_n (1) [H₂DCTP = 2,5-dichloroterephthalic acid] with an unprecedented topology, which exhibits a photomechanical effect wherein crystals show jumping upon UV irradiation. The Pb(II) CP forms a type II Cl⋯Cl interaction, which weakens further upon UV irradiation to resolve the anisotropic mechanical strain. The work presented here could be a beacon to the nascent field of photoactuating smart materials.