Synergetic magnetic and luminescence switching via solid state phase transitions of dysprosium-dianthracene complex

Manipulating the synergy between magnetic and optical characteristics in a predictable manner by 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 the depma2 and Cl- anion. The depma2 acts as a bridge between the equivalent LnIII ions and can be open and close 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.