Spin crossover and photomagnetism in dinuclear iron(II) compounds

In this paper, we review recent work reported in the field of molecular spin crossover phenomena in dinuclear compounds. Following a comprehensive overview on the synthesis and properties of new iron(II) dinuclear compounds presenting the spin crossover phenomenon, we focus this review on recent efforts made in studying and understanding the photo-physical properties of the {[Fe(L)(NCX)2]2bpym} (L = bt or bpym, X = S or Se) family of compounds. Finally, literature on the different theoretical approaches treating the static and dynamic properties of dinuclear complexes presenting two-step thermal spin transition is briefly summarized.