Polyoxomolybdates functionalized by a flexible carboxylic acid and their photochromic properties

Two inorganic-organic hybridized polyoxomolybdates, Cs8NaH [(SeMo6O21)C6H3O3(CH2CO2)3]2·10H2O (1) and Cs8H4 [(AsMo6O21)C6H3O3(CH2CO2)3]2·10H2O (2), functionalized by a flexible tri-podal multicarboxylic ligand 1,3,5-tris (carboxymethoxy)benzene (TCMB) have been synthesized and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that each of the two hybrids consists of two {XMo6} (X = Se, As) units supported by two TCMB molecules. The photochromism and thermochromism behaviors of the two compounds have been explored. The color of compound 2 could change dramatically from white to black within just 1 min of irradiation by a Xe lamp. During thermochromic experiments the two compounds change their color at 423 K for 1 and 393 K for 2, respectively.