LAUSR

Manipulating the synergy between magnetic and optical characteristics in a predictable manner by an external stimulus is a highly desirable option to develop smart materials for advanced applications such as information processing and storage in multifunctional devices. Herein we report dinuclear complexes Ln2L2(depma2)Cl2 (1-Ln, Ln = Dy, Gd; H2L = N1,N3-bis(salicylideneimino)diethylenetriamine, depma2 = photodimerized 9-diethylphosphonomethylanthracene) where the lanthanide ions possess pseudo-D5h geometries with five equatorial positions occupied by L2− and the axial positions by depma2 and the Cl− anion. depma2 acts as a bridge between the equivalent LnIII ions and can be opened and closed upon heating and light irradiation. 1-Ln experience consecutive structural transformations, first separation of the depma2 at ca. 170 °C and second elimination of chloroethane at ca. 250 °C, accompanied by a synergetic switch of the photoluminescence and magnetic dynamics for 1-Dy.