Supramolecular Control of Spin Crossover Phenomena Using Various Amphiphiles

An aspect of nanochemistry that has attracted significant attention is the formation of nanoarchitectures from the self-assembly of metal complexes, based on the design of compounds having cooperative functionalities. This technique is currently seen as important within the field of nanomaterials. In the present review, we describe the methods that allow tuning of the intermolecular interactions between spin crossover (SCO) complexes in various media. These approaches include the use of lipophilic derivatives, lipids, and diblock copolypeptide amphiphiles. The resulting supramolecular assemblies can enhance the solubility of various SCO complexes in both organic and aqueous media. In addition, amphiphilic modifications of coordination systems can result in metastable structures and dynamic structural transformations leading to unique solution properties, including spin state switching. The supramolecular chemistry of metal complexes is unprecedented in its scope and potential applications, and it is hoped that the studies presented herein will promote further investigation of dynamic supramolecular devices.