Photochemistry of supramolecular complex formed by trans-stilbene and the metal–organic coordination polymer

• Adduct of the metal–organic framework (MOF) and trans-stilbene was synthesized.
• Three independent trans-stilbene molecules are located in one MOF cage.
• Stilbene is a subject of photochemical trans–cis isomerization in the MOF cage.
• Quantum yield of the cage reaction is much higher than for crystalline state.

Supramolecular adduct consisting from the metal–organic framework (MOF) [Zn4(dmf)(ur)2(ndc)4] (ndc2− is 2,6-naphtalenedicarboxylate, ur is urotropin, and dmf is N,N′-dimethylformamide) and trans-stilbene was synthesized and its photochemistry was studied. The quantum yield of trans–cis photoisomerization of stilbene in adduct (0.2) was found to be an order of magnitude higher than for crystalline trans-stilbene and comparable with that in organic solvents. The results demonstrate that the creation of MOFs adducts with organic photochroms is a prospective approach for the creation of new hybrid photochromic materials.

Photochemically active adduct of the metal–organic framework (MOF) and trans-stilbene was synthesized. Quantum yield of stilbene trans–cis isomerization in the MOF cage is an order of magnitude higher than for crystalline state.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide