Spin‐Crossover Complex on Au(111): Structural and Electronic Differences Between Mono‐ and Multilayers

Submono‐, mono‐ and multilayers of the Fe(II) spin‐crossover (SCO) complex [Fe(bpz)₂(phen)] (bpz=dihydrobis(pyrazolyl)borate, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) have beenprepared by vacuum deposition on Au(111) substrates and investigated with near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). As evidenced by NEXAFS, molecules of the second layer exhibit a thermal spin crossover transition, although with a more gradual characteristics than in the bulk. For mono‐ and submonolayers of [Fe(bpz)₂(phen)] deposited on Au(111) substrates at room temperature both NEXAFS and STM indicate a dissociation of [Fe(bpz)₂(phen)] on Au(111) into four‐coordinate complexes, [Fe(bpz)₂], and phen molecules. Keeping the gold substrate at elevated temperatures ordered monolayers of intact molecules of [Fe(bpz)₂(phen)] are formed which can be spin‐switched by electron‐induced excited spin‐state trapping (ELIESST).     

Quantum‐chemical study of the spin transition complex [Fe(bt)2(NCS)2] (bt=2,2′‐bithiazoline)

The spin crossover compound [Fe(bt)₂(NCS)₂] has been studied by several density functionals and basis sets. In the calculation, optimized geometries of the compound in the low‐, intermediate‐, and high‐spin states, the vibrational modes and IR spectra, spin splittings energies, excited states, and UV/vis absorption spectra were obtained. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Magnetic Characterization of a Series of Iron(II) Coordination Frameworks with 2, 6‐Bis(1, 2,4‐triazole‐4‐yl)pyridine

Based on the bis‐triazole ligand 2, 6‐bis(1, 2,4‐triazole‐4‐yl)pyridine (L), the triazole‐iron(II) complexes [Fe(L)₂(dca)₂(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O ( 1 ) (Nadca = sodium dicyanamide), {[Fe(μ₂‐L)₂(H₂O)₂]Cl₂}_n ( 2 ), and {[Fe(μ₂‐L)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ · L · H₂O}_n ( 3 ) were isolated by solvent diffusion methods. When iron(II) salts and Nadca were used, compound 1 was isolated, which contains mononuclear Fe(L)₂(dca)₂(H₂O)₂ units. When FeCl₂ or FeClO₄ were used, one‐dimensional (1D) cation iron(II) chains ( 2 ) and two‐dimensional (2D) cation iron(II) networks ( 3 ) were isolated indicating anion directing structural diversity. Moreover, variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility data of 1 – 3 were recorded in the temperature range 2–300 K. The magnetic curve of complex 2 was fitted by using the classical spin Heisenberg chain model indicating anti‐ferromagnetic interactions (J = –5.31 cm^–1). Obviously complexes 1 – 3 show no detectable thermal spin crossover behaviors, the lack of spin‐crossover behavior may be correlated with FeN₄O₂ coordination spheres in 1 – 3 .     

Effect of Chelate Ring Size in Iron(II) Isothiocyanato Complexes with Tetradentate Tripyridyl‐alkylamine Ligands on Spin Crossover Properties

Iron(II) complexes of the type [Fe(L)(NCS)₂] with tetradentate ligands L are well known to show spin crossover properties. However, this behavior is quite sensitive in regard to small changes of the ligand system. Starting from the thoroughly investigated complex [Fe(tmpa)(NCS)₂] [tmpa = tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine, also abbreviated as tpa in the literature] we modified the ligand by increasing systematically the chelate ring sizes from 5 to 6 thus obtaining complexes [Fe(pmea)(NCS)₂], [Fe(pmap)(NCS)₂], and [Fe(tepa)(NCS)₂] [pmea = N,N‐bis[(2‐pyridyl)methyl]‐2‐(2‐pyridyl)ethylamine, pmap = N,N‐bis[2‐(2‐pyridyl)ethyl]‐(2‐pyridyl)methylamine, and tepa = tris[2‐(2‐pyridyl)ethyl]amine]. All complexes were structurally characterized and spin crossover properties were investigated using Mößbauer spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, and IR/Raman analyses. The results demonstrated that only the iron complexes with tmpa and pmea showed spin crossover properties, whereas the complexes with the ligands pmap and tepa only formed high spin complexes. Furthermore, DFT calculations supported these findings demonstrating again the strong influence of ligand environment. Herein the effect of increasing the chelate ring sizes in iron(II) isothiocyanato complexes with tetradentate tripyridyl‐alkylamine ligands is clearly demonstrated.     

Reversible Control by Light of the High‐Spin Low‐Spin Elastic Interface inside the Bistable Region of a Robust Spin‐Transition Single Crystal

By using a weak modulated laser intensity we have succeeded in reversibly controlling the dynamics of the spin‐crossover (SC) single crystal [{Fe(NCSe)(py)₂}₂(m‐bpypz)] inside the thermal hysteresis. The experiment could be repeated several times with a reproducible response of the high‐spin low‐spin interface and without crystal damage. In‐depth investigations as a function of the amplitude and frequency of the excitation brought to light the existence of a cut‐off frequency ca. 1.5 Hz. The results not only document the applicability of SC materials as actuators, memory devices, or switches, but also open a new avenue for the reversible photo‐control of the spin transition inside the thermal hysteresis.     

New polynuclear 4,4ˈ-bis-1,2,4-triazole Fe(II) spin crossover compounds

Two novel polynuclear Fe(II) spin crossover materials of formula 〚Fe(btr)₃〛 〚Fe(btr)₂(H₂O)₂〛(anion)₄, where btr = 4,4′-bis–1,2,4-triazole and anion = BF₄^–, PF₆^–, have been prepared and their spin transition characteristics studied over the temperature range 5–300 K. They both reveal incomplete spin crossover behaviour. Two different Fe(II) lattice sites of the FeN₆ and FeN₄O₂ type are distinguished by ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. The first site is responsible for the SC behaviour whereas the second one remains high-spin throughout the whole temperature range. This explains why it is not possible to switch all the Fe(II) ions to the low-spin state by application of hydrostatic pressure for the BF₄^– derivative. The temperature dependence of the population of these sites has been carefully analysed by Mössbauer spectroscopy.     

Spin transition in [Fe(phen)2(NCS)2] and [Fe(bipy)2(NCS)2]: Hysteresis and effect of crystal quality

Detailed magnetic susceptibility measurements on the polycrystalline complexes [Fe(phen)₂(NCS)₂] (phen = 1.10-phenanthroline) and [Fe(bipy)₂(NCS)₂] (bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine) have revealed a narrow hysteresis in both systems indicative of a first-order nature of the spin transition ⁵T_2g(O_h) ? ¹ A_tg(O_h). The crystal quality, in particular crystal defects (through preparation or grinding), have been shown to influence strongly the spin transition behaviour.     

The Spin Equilibrium 5T2—1A1 in the Mixed-ligand Complex [Fe(II)py2phen(NCS)2] and the MÖSSBAUER-Parameters

The MÖSSBAUER parameters (isomer shift δ and quadrupole splitting ΔE_Q) were determined for [Fe(II)py₂phen(NCS)₂] at 298° and 77°K, their values being compared with those for [Fe(II)phen₂(NCS)₂]. The existence of a spin equilibrium ⁵T₂ — ¹A₁ already put in evidence by the magnetic measurements for the mixed-ligand complex [Fe(II)py₂phen(NCS)₂] has been ckecked up using the γ-resonance spectroscopy.     

Iron(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes of N‐Alkylimidazoles and 1‐Methyl‐1H‐1, 2, 4‐Triazole: X‐ray Studies,Magnetic Characterization,and DFT Calculations

Using the ligands N‐methylimidazole ( MeIm ), N‐ethylimidazole ( EtIm ), N‐propylimidazole ( PrIm ), and 1‐methyl‐1H‐1, 2, 4‐triazole ( MeTz ) three series with a total of 13 iron(II) complexes were isolated. The series comprise of the following complexes: (a) [Fe( MeIm )₆](ClO₄)₂ ( 1 ), [Fe( EtIm )₆](ClO₄)₂ ( 2 ), [Fe( PrIm )₆](ClO₄)₂( 3 ), [Fe( MeTz )₆](ClO₄)₂ ( 4 ), [Fe( MeIm )₆](MeSO₃)₂ ( 5 ), [Fe( EtIm )₆](MeSO₃)₂ ( 6 ), and [Fe( MeTz )₆](BF₄)₂ ( 10 ); (b) [Fe( MeIm )₄(MeSO₃)₂]( 7 ), [Fe( EtIm )₄(MeSO₃)₂] ( 8 ), and [Fe( PrIm )₄(MeSO₃)₂] ( 9 ); (c) [Fe( MeIm )₄(NCS)₂] ( 15 ), [Fe( EtIm )₄(NCS)₂] ( 16 ), and [Fe( MeTz )₄(NCS)₂] ( 17 ). Single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies were performed on 7 – 10 and 15 – 17 . Temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements were performed on selective examples of all series, and confirmed them to be in the HS state over the range 6–300 K. DFT calculations were performed at BP86/def‐SV(P) and TPSSh/def2‐TZVPP level on all [Fe L ₆]²⁺ complex cations and the neutral complexes 7 – 9 and 15 – 17 . Additionally the four homoleptic nickel(II) complexes [Ni L ₆](ClO₄)₂ ( 11 : L = MeIm ; 12 : L = EtIm ; 13 : L = PrIm ; 14 : L = MeTz ) were synthesized and compounds 11 – 13 structurally characterized. UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopic measurements were carried out on all homoleptic iron(II) and nickel(II) complexes. The 10Dq values were determined to be in the range of 11547–11574 and 10471–10834 cm^–1 for the iron(II) and nickel(II) complexes, respectively.     

Revisited crystal symmetry of the high‐spin form of the iron(II) spin‐crossover complex di­cyano­[2,13‐di­methyl‐6,9‐dioxa‐3,12,18‐tri­aza­bi­cyclo­[12.3.1]­octadeca‐1(18),2,12,14,16‐pentaene]­iron(II) monohydrate

The title iron(II) complex, [Fe(CN)₂(C₁₅H₂₃N₃O₂)]·H₂O, is of interest to the spin‐crossover community because of its unusual temperature‐dependent magnetic behaviour as well as its relatively high relaxation temperature for the light‐induced spin‐crossover phenomenon. Structural modifications are strongly suspected to cause the unusual thermal spin‐crossover features. Recently, the high‐spin crystal structure has been reported but with an inadequate space group. In the present paper, the crystal structure is corrected by a new investigation, and some consequences for the structure–property relationships of this complex are discussed. The Fe^II ion is seven‐coordinate and lies on a twofold axis.     

Iron(II) Spin‐Crossover Complexes in Ultrathin Films: Electronic Structure and Spin‐State Switching by Visible and Vacuum‐UV Light

The electronic structure of the iron(II) spin crossover complex [Fe(H₂bpz)₂(phen)] deposited as an ultrathin film on Au(111) is determined by means of UV‐photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) in the high‐spin and in the low‐spin state. This also allows monitoring the thermal as well as photoinduced spin transition in this system. Moreover, the complex is excited to the metastable high‐spin state by irradiation with vacuum‐UV light. Relaxation rates after photoexcitation are determined as a function of temperature. They exhibit a transition from thermally activated to tunneling behavior and are two orders of magnitude higher than in the bulk material.     

Effect of Ligand Field Strength on the Spin Crossover Behaviour in 5‐X‐SalEen (X=Me,Br and OMe) Based Fe(III) Complexes

The reaction of Fe(NCS)₃ prepared in situ in MeOH with 5‐X‐SalEen ligands (5‐X‐SalEen=condensation product of 5‐substituted salicylaldehyde and N‐ethylethylenediamine) provided three Fe(III) complexes, [Fe(5‐X‐SalEen)₂]NCS; X=Me ( 1 ), X=Br ( 2 ), X=OMe ( 3 ). All the complexes reveal similar structural features but a very different magnetic profile. Complex 1 shows a gradual spin crossover while complexes 2 and 3 show a sharp spin transition. The T_1/2 for complex 2 is 237 K while for complex 3 it is much higher with a value of 361 K. The spin transition temperature is shifted towards higher temperature with increasing electron‐donation ability of the ligand substituents. This experimental observation has been rationalized with DFT calculations. UV‐Vis and cyclic voltammetry studies support the fact that the electron density on the ligand increases from Me to Br to OMe substituents. To understand the change in spin states, temperature‐dependent EPR spectra have been recorded. The spin state equilibrium in the liquid state has been probed with Evans NMR spectroscopic method, and thermodynamic parameters have been evaluated for all complexes.     

FeIII Quinolylsalicylaldimine Complexes: A Rare Mixed‐Spin‐State Complex and Abrupt Spin Crossover

A new synthesis of (8‐quinolyl)‐5‐methoxysalicylaldimine (Hqsal‐5‐OMe) is reported and its crystal structure is presented. Two Fe^III complexes, [Fe(qsal‐5‐OMe)₂]Cl ? solvent (solvent=2 MeOH ? 0.5 H₂O ( 1 ) and MeCN ? H₂O ( 2 )) have been prepared and their structural, electronic and magnetic properties studied. [Fe(qsal‐5‐OMe)₂] Cl ? 2 MeOH ? 0.5 H₂O ( 1 ) exhibits rare crystallographically independent high‐spin and low‐spin Fe^III centres at 150 K, whereas [Fe(qsal‐5‐OMe)₂]Cl ? MeCN ? H₂O ( 2 ) is low spin at 100 K. In both structures there are extensive π–π and C? H???π interactions. SQUID magnetometry of 2 reveals an unusual abrupt stepped‐spin crossover with T_1/2=245 K and 275 K for steps 1 and 2, respectively, with a slight hysteresis of 5 K in the first step and a plateau of 15 K between the steps. In contrast, 1 is found to undergo an abrupt half‐spin crossover also with a hysteresis of 10 K. The two compounds are the first Fe^III complexes of a substituted qsal ligand to exhibit abrupt spin crossover. These conclusions are supported by ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. Both complexes exhibit reversible reduction to Fe^II at ?0.18 V and irreversible oxidation of the coordinated qsal‐5‐OMe ligand at +1.10 V.     

catena‐Poly[[diaquadiisothiocyanatoiron(II)]‐μ‐4,4′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazole]: a one‐dimensional coordination polymer

In the title complex, [Fe(NCS)₂(C₄H₂N₆)₂(H₂O)₂]_n, the Fe^II atom is on an inversion centre and the 4,4′‐bi‐1,2,4‐triazole (btr) group is bisected by a twofold axis through the central N—N bond. The coordination geometry of the Fe^II atom is elongated distorted FeN₄O₂ octahedral, where the cation is coordinated by two N atoms from the triazole rings of two btr groups, two N atoms from NCS⁻ ligands and two water molecules. Btr is a bidentate ligand, coordinating one Fe^II atom through a peripheral N atom of each triazole ring, leading to a one‐dimensional polymeric (chain) structure extending along [101]. The chains are further connected through a network of O—H...N and C—H...S hydrogen bonds.     

Zn(NCS)2‐3‐cyanopyridine Coordination Compounds: Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Thermal Properties

The reaction of different stoichiometric amounts of Zn(NCS)₂ with 3‐cyanopyridine in different solvents leads to the formation of several new coordination compounds, which were structurally characterized and investigated for their thermal behavior. In Zn(NCS)₂(3‐cyanopyridine)₄ ( 1 ) and Zn(NCS)₂(3‐cyanopyridine)₂(H₂O)₂ · (3‐cyanopyridine)₂ ( 2 ) the zinc cations are octahedrally coordinated by two terminally N‐bonded thiocyanate anions and four 3‐cyanopyridine ( 1 ) or two 3‐cyanopyridine and two water molecules ( 2 ) within slightly distorted octahedra. Zn(NCS)₂(3‐cyanopyridine)₂ ( 3 ) and Zn(NCS)₂(3‐cyanopyridine)₂ · (H₂O)_0.5 ( 3‐H₂O ) also form discrete complexes but with tetrahedrally coordinated Zn cations. Upon heating compound 1 decomposes without the formation of any intermediate compound. In contrast, compound 2 loses the water molecules in the first step and transforms into compound 1 . Surprisingly, upon further heating a second TG step is observed, in which compound 3 is formed as an intermediate, which is not observed if compound 1 is heated directly. The tetrahedral complex 3 melts leading to the formation of an amorphous phase. If the hemihydrate 3‐H₂O is heated, it transforms into 3 via melting and crystallization but there are hints that a metastable phase might form as intermediate on water removal.     

Photomagnetism of a sym‐cis‐Dithiocyanato Iron(II) Complex with a Tetradentate N,N′‐Bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)1,2‐ethanediamine Ligand

A comprehensive study of the magnetic and photomagnetic behaviors of cis‐[Fe(picen)(NCS)₂] (picen=N,N′‐bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)1,2‐ethanediamine) was carried out. The spin‐equilibration was extremely slow in the vicinity of the thermal spin‐transition. When the cooling speed was slower than 0.1 K min^?1, this complex was characterized by an abrupt thermal spin‐transition at about 70 K. Measurement of the kinetics in the range 60–70 K was performed to approach the quasi‐static hysteresis loop. At low temperatures, the metastable HS state was quenched by a rapid freezing process and the critical T(TIESST) temperature, which was associated with the thermally induced excited spin‐state‐trapping (TIESST) effect, was measured. At 10 K, this complex also exhibited the well‐known light‐induced excited spin‐state‐trapping (LIESST) effect and the T(LIESST) temperature was determined. The kinetics of the metastable HS states, which were generated from the freezing effect and from the light‐induced excitation, was studied. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction as a function of speed‐cooling and light conditions at 30 K revealed the mechanism of the spin‐crossover in this complex as well as some direct relationships between its structural properties and its spin state. This spin‐crossover (SCO) material represents a fascinating example in which the metastability of the HS state is in close vicinity to the thermal spin‐transition region. Moreover, it is a beautiful example of a complex in which the metastable HS states can be generated, and then compared, either by the freezing effect or by the LIESST effect.     

Fe(phen)32+‐Modified Zeolite Particles and Their Energetic Studies

Chemically modified zeolite Y (NaY) particles and their resulting modified electrodes were prepared with acridinium (AcH+), iron(II) and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) for energetic studies. According to diffuse reflectance absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, AcH⁺ and Fe(phen)₃²⁺ were successfully entrapped in the zeolite particles. Transient emission spectra measurements showed that the life time of AcH+* in the zeolite particles (to 35 ns; λ_ex 365 nm; λ_em 500 nm) was greatly reduced upon incorporating Fe(phen)₃²⁺ and Fe²⁺. The fast de cay of AcH+*(NaY) suggested that a reductive quench was likely to take place in the zeolite particle. Probably due to a size‐exclusion effect, the bulky electron donor, N, N‐diethyl‐2‐methyl‐1,4‐phenylenediamine (DEPD), revealed a difficulty in reaching the photosensitizer, AcH⁺, in side the zeolite particle. As a consequence, the in significant photocurrent for the oxidation of DEPD was from the NaY|AcH⁺ electrode. However, if Fe²⁺ and Fe(phen)₃²⁺ were incorporated, the photocurrent would become more significant. Closer examinations, in addition, showed that the photooxidaton of DEPD occurred more rapidly on the NaY|AcH⁺|Fe(phen)₃²⁺ electrode, compared to the NaY|AcH⁺|Fe²⁺ electrode. This difference apparently results from a greater gap in energetics between DEPD and Fe(phen)₃³⁺_(NaY) than that between DEPD and Fe³⁺_(NaY). Due to this effect, a greater amount of indophenol blue, derived from the coupling reaction of the oxidized DEPD with 1‐naphthol, was formed and de posited on the NaY|AcH⁺|Fe(phen)₃²⁺modified electrode. Thanks to this photo‐induced charge‐transfer reaction, the NaY|AcH⁺|Fe(phen)₃²⁺ particle showed an application potential in image recording.     

Synthesis and Characterisation of a New Series of Bistable Iron(II) Spin‐Crossover 2D Metal–Organic Frameworks

Twelve coordination polymers with formula {Fe(3‐Xpy)₂[M^II(CN)₄]} (M^II: Ni, Pd, Pt; X: F, Cl, Br, I; py: pyridine) have been synthesised, and their crystal structures have been determined by single‐crystal or powder X‐ray analysis. All of the fluoro and iodo compounds, as well as the chloro derivative in which M^II is Pt, crystallise in the monoclinic C2/m space group, whereas the rest of the chloro and all of the bromo derivatives crystallise in the orthorhombic Pnc2 space group. In all cases, the iron(II) atom resides in a pseudo‐octahedral [FeN₆] coordination core, with similar bond lengths and angles in the various derivatives. The major difference between the two kinds of structure arises from the stacking of consecutive two‐dimensional {Fe(3‐Xpy)₂[M^II(CN)₄]}_∞ layers, which allows different dispositions of the X atoms. The fluoro and chloro derivatives undergo cooperative spin crossover (SCO) with significant hysteretic behaviour, whereas the rest are paramagnetic. The thermal hysteresis, if X is F, shifts toward room temperature without changing the cooperativity as the pressure increases in the interval 10⁵ Pa–0.5 GPa. At ambient pressure, the SCO phenomenon has been structurally characterised at different significant temperatures, and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters were obtained from DSC calorimetric measurements. Compound {Fe(3‐Clpy)₂[Pd(CN)₄]} represents a new example of a “re‐entrant” two‐step spin transition by showing the Pnma space group in the intermediate phase (IP) and the Pnc2 space group in the low‐spin (LS) and high‐spin (HS) phases.     

A new coordination complex based on a polynitrile ligand: bis(4‐amino‐3,5‐di‐2‐pyridyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazole)diaquairon(II) bis(1,1,3,3‐tetracyano‐2‐methylsulfanylpropenide)

The new high‐spin iron(II) complex, [Fe(C₁₂H₁₀N₆)₂(H₂O)₂](C₈H₃N₄S)₂ or [Fe(abpt)₂(H₂O)₂](tcnsme)₂ [where abpt is 4‐amino‐3,5‐di‐2‐pyridyl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazole and tcnsme is the 1,1,3,3‐tetracyano‐2‐methylthiopropenide anion], consists of discrete [Fe(abpt)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺ dications, where the Fe^II ion is coordinated by two N,N′‐bidentate chelating abpt ligands in the equatorial plane and two water molecules in trans positions, generating a distorted octahedral [FeN₄O₂] environment. The cationic unit is neutralized by two polynitrile tcnsme anions, in which the C—N, C—C and C—S bond lengths indicate extensive electronic delocalization. In the crystal structure, the dications and anions are linked through O—H...N and N—H...N hydrogen bonds involving the water H atoms and those of the NH₂ groups and the N atoms of the CN groups, leading to the formation of a three‐dimensional network.     

Breathing Effect in a Cobalt Phosphonate upon Dehydration/Rehydration: A Single‐Crystal‐to‐Single‐Crystal Study

Two cobalt phosphonates, [Co₂(2,2′‐bpy)₂(H₂O)(pbtcH)] ( 1 ) and [Co₂(H₂O)(pbtcH)(phen)₂] ( 2 ; pbtcH₅=5‐phosphonatophenyl‐1,2,4‐tricarboxylic acid, 2,2′‐bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline), with layer structures are reported. Compound 1 contains O‐C‐O and O‐P‐O bridged tetramers of Co₄, which are further connected by pbtcH^4? units to form a layer. In compound 2 , the cobalt tetramers made up of water‐bridged Co₂ dimers and O‐P‐O linkages are connected into a layer by pbtcH^4? units. Upon dehydration, compounds 1 and 2 experience single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SC–SC) structural transformations to form [Co₂(2,2′‐bpy)₂(pbtcH)] ( 1 a ) and [Co₂(pbtcH)(phen)₂] ( 2 a ), respectively. The process is reversible in each case. Notably, a breathing effect is observed for 1 , accompanied by pore opening and closing due to the reorientation of the coordinated 2,2′‐bpy molecules. The transformation was also monitored by in situ IR measurements. Magnetic studies reveal that antiferromagnetic interactions are mediated between the magnetic centers in compounds 1 and 1 a , whereas ferromagnetic interactions are dominant in compound 2 .