Tunable Supramolecular Assembly and Photoswitchable Conversion of Cyclodextrin/Diphenylalanine-Based 1D and 2D Nanostructures

A photocontrolled, interconvertible supramolecular 2D-nanosheet/1D-nanotube system was constructed through the supramolecular assembly of adamantanyl-modified diphenylalanine with azobenzene-bridged bis(β-cyclodextrin). The nanosheet exhibited a greater fluorescence enhancement effect than the nanotube. Significantly, these nanosheets and nanotubes could interconvert via the photocontrolled trans/cis isomerization of azobenzene linkers in bis(β-cyclodextrin), and this photo-switchable one-dimensional/two-dimensional morphological interconversion was reversible and recyclable. This enables convenient routes to highly ordered nanostructures with various morphologies and dimensions that can be controlled by external stimuli.     

Photocontrolled Reversible Conversion of Nanotube and Nanoparticle Mediated by β‐Cyclodextrin Dimers

A photochemically interconvertible supramolecular nanotube–nanoparticle system was constructed through secondary assembling of self‐aggregates of amphiphilic porphyrin derivatives mediated by trans‐ and cis‐azobenzene‐bridged bis(permethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin). Significantly, these nanotubes and nanoparticles were able to interconvert upon irradiation at different wavelengths, and this photocontrolled morphological conversion is reversible and recyclable for tens of times, which will provide a feasible and convenient way to construct the ordered nanostructure with various morphologies that can be smartly controlled by the environmentally benign external stimulus.     

Molecular Recognition of Bridged Bis （β－cyclodextrin） s Linked by Phenylenediseleno Tether on the Primary or Secondary Side with Fluorescent Dyes

A novel β‐cyclodextrin dimer, 2, 2′‐o‐phenylenediseleno‐bridged bis (β‐cyclodextrin) (2), has been synthesized by reaction of mono‐[2‐O‐(p‐tolylsulfonyl)]‐β‐cyclodextrin and poly(o‐phenylenediselenide). The complexation stability constants (K₂) and Gibbs free energy changes (‐ΔG°) of dimer 2 with four fluorescence dyes, that is, ammonium 8‐anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonate (ANS), sodium 6‐(p‐toluidino)‐2‐naphthalenesulfonate (TNS), Acridine Red (AR) and Rhodamine B (RhB) have been determined in aqueous phosphate buffer solution (pH = 7.2, 0.1 mol‐L^?1) at 25 °C by means of fluorescence spectroscopy. Using the present results and the previously reported corresponding data of β‐cyclodextrin (1) and 6, 6′‐o‐phenylenediseleno‐bridged bis (β‐cyclodextrin) (3), binding ability and molecular selectivity are compared, indicating that the bis (β‐cyclodextrin)s 2 and 3 possess much higher binding ability toward these dye molecules than parent β‐cyclodextrin 1, but the complex stability constant for 2 linked from the primary side is larger than that of 3 linked from the secondary side, which is attributed to the more effective cooperative binding of two hydrophobic cavities of host 3 and the size/shape‐fit relationship between host and guest. The binding constant (K₂,) upon inclusion complexation of host 3 and AR is enhanced by factor of 27.3 as compared with that of 1. The 2D ¹H NOESY spectrum of host 2 and RhB is performed to confirm the binding mode and explain the relative weak binding ability of 2.     

Ferrocene–β‐Cyclodextrin Conjugates: Synthesis,Supramolecular Behavior,and Use as Electrochemical Sensors

Ferrocene with a β‐cyclodextrin unit bound to one or both cyclopentadienyl rings through the secondary face were conveniently synthesized by regiospecific copper(I)‐catalyzed cycloaddition of 2‐O‐propargyl‐β‐cyclodextrin to azidomethyl or bis(azidomethyl)ferrocene. The supramolecular behavior of the synthesized conjugates in both the absence and presence of bile salts (sodium cholate, deoxycholate, and chenodeoxycholate) was studied by using electrochemical methods (cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry), isothermal titration calorimetry, and NMR spectroscopy (PGSE, CPMG, and 2D‐ROESY). These techniques allowed the determination of stability constants, mode of inclusion, and diffusion coefficients for complexes formed with the neutral and, in some cases, the oxidized states of the ferrocenyl conjugates. It was found that the ferrocenyl conjugate with one β‐cyclodextrin unit forms a redox‐controllable head‐to‐head homodimer in aqueous solution. The ferrocene–bis(β‐cyclodextrin) conjugate is present in two distinguishable forms in aqueous solution, each one having a different half‐wave oxidation potential for the oxidation of the ferrocene. By contrast, only one distinguishable form for the oxidized state of the ferrocene–β‐cyclodextrin conjugate is detectable. The redox‐sensing abilities of the synthesized conjugates towards the bile salts were evaluated based on the observed guest‐induced changes in both the half‐wave potential and the current peak intensity of the electroactive moiety.     

Supramolecular Tubule from Seesaw Shaped Amphiphile and Its Hierarchical Evolution into Sheet

Although supramolecular one‐dimensional (1D) and two‐dimensional (2D) structures with various unique properties have been extensively studied, the reversible switching between tubules and sheets via lateral association remains challenging. Here, we report the unique structures of a supramolecular tubular bamboo culm in which the hollow‐tubular interior is separated, at intervals, by nodes per 1.3 nm. Interestingly, the discrete tubules are able to hierarchically assemble into a flat sheet in response to an aromatic guest. The addition of trans‐azobenzene, as a guest, enables the tubules to form a hierarchical sheet assembly via the lateral interaction. The hierarchical sheet structures are disassembled into their constituent tubules upon UV irradiation due to trans‐cis isomerization. The recovery from cis‐azobenzene to trans‐form induces repeatedly the hierarchical sheet assembly, indicative of a reversible switching behavior between tubules and sheets triggered by an external stimulus.     

A Rapidly Self‐Healing Supramolecular Polymer Hydrogel with Photostimulated Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence Responsiveness

Development of self‐healing and photostimulated luminescent supramolecular polymeric materials is important for artificial soft materials. A supramolecular polymeric hydrogel is reported based on the host–guest recognition between a β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) host polymer (poly‐β‐CD) and an α‐bromonaphthalene (α‐BrNp) polymer (poly‐BrNp) without any additional gelator, which can self‐heal within only about one minute under ambient atmosphere without any additive. This supramolecular polymer system can be excited to engender room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) signals based on the fact that the inclusion of β‐CD macrocycle with α‐BrNp moiety is able to induce RTP emission (CD‐RTP). The RTP signal can be adjusted reversibly by competitive complexation of β‐CD with azobenzene moiety under specific irradiation by introducing another azobenzene guest polymer (poly‐Azo).     

Motion Control of Polymeric Nanomotors Based on Host–Guest Interactions

Controlling the motion of artificial self‐propelled micro‐ and nanomotors independent of the fuel concentration is still a great challenge. Here we describe the first report of speed manipulation of supramolecular nanomotors via blue light‐responsive valves, which can regulate the access of hydrogen peroxide fuel into the motors. Light‐sensitive polymeric nanomotors are built up via the self‐assembly of functional block copolymers, followed by bowl‐shaped stomatocyte formation and incorporation of platinum nanoparticles. Subsequent addition of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) leads to the formation of inclusion complexes with the trans‐isomers of the azobenzene derivatives grafted from the surfaces of the stomatocytes. β‐CDs attachment decreases the diffusion rate of hydrogen peroxide into the cavities of the motors because of partly blocking of the openings of the stomatocyte. This results in a lowering of the speed of the nanomotors. Upon blue light irradiation, the trans‐azobenzene moieties isomerize to the cis‐form, which lead to the detachment of the β‐CDs due to their inability to form complexes with the cis‐isomer. As a result, the speed of the nanomotors increases accordingly. Such a conformational change provides us with the unique possibility to control the speed of the supramolecular nanomotor via light‐responsive host–guest complexation. We envision that such artificial responsive nano‐systems with controlled motion could have potential applications in drug delivery.     

Photocontrol of the Catalytic Activity of a β‐Cyclodextrin Bearing Azobenzene and Histidine Moieties as a Pendant Group

An azobenzene group was linked to β‐cyclodextrin via a histidine spacer ( 1 ) to produce a photoresponsive catalyst. The ester hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenyl acetate, Boc‐L ‐alanine‐p‐nitrophenyl ester and Boc‐D ‐alanine‐p‐nitrophenyl ester was examined in the presence of trans‐ 1 or cis‐ 1 . In the case of cis‐ 1 , the cyclodextrin cavity was used as the substrate binding site during imidazole‐catalyzed ester hydrolysis. This was not possible in the case of trans‐ 1 due to the inclusion of the trans‐azobenzene moiety in the cyclodextrin cavity. Consequently, the catalytic mechanism switches in an on‐off fashion on UV irradiation, associated with the conversion of the azobenzene moiety of 1 from trans to cis.     

Triterpenoid‐Based Self‐Healing Supramolecular Polymer Hydrogels Formed by Host–Guest Interactions

Pentacyclic triterpenoids, a class of naturally bioactive products having multiple functional groups, unique chiral centers, rigid skeletons, and good biocompatibility, are ideal building blocks for fabricating versatile supramolecular structures. In this research, the natural pentacyclic triterpenoid glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) was used as a guest molecule for β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) to form a GA/β‐CD (1:1) inclusion complex. By means of GA and β‐CD pendant groups in N,N′‐dimethylacrylamide copolymers, a supramolecular polymer hydrogel can be physically cross‐linked by host–guest interactions between GA and β‐CD moieties. Moreover, self‐healing of this hydrogel was observed and confirmed by step‐strain rheological measurements, whereby the maximum storage modulus occurred at a [GA]/[β‐CD] molar ratio of 1:1. Additionally, these polymers displayed outstanding biocompatibility. The introduction of a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid into a hydrogel system not only provides a biocompatible guest–host complementary GA/β‐CD pair, but also makes this hydrogel an attractive candidate for tissue engineering.     

Photoresponsive Circular Supramolecular Polymers: A Topological Trap and Photoinduced Ring‐Opening Elongation

Topological features of one‐dimensional macromolecular chains govern the properties and functionality of natural and synthetic polymers. To address this issue in supramolecular polymers, we synthesized two topologically distinct supramolecular polymers with intrinsic curvature, circular and helically folded nanofibers, from azobenzene‐functionalized supramolecular rosettes. When a mixture of circular and helically folded nanofibers was exposed to UV light, selective unfolding of the latter open‐ended supramolecular polymers was observed as a result of the curvature‐impairing internal force produced by the trans‐to‐cis photoisomerization of the azobenzene. This distinct sensitivity suggests that the topological features of supramolecular polymers define their mechanical stability. Furthermore, the exposure of circular supramolecular polymers in more polar media to UV irradiation resulted in ring opening followed by chain elongation, thus demonstrating that the circular supramolecular polymer can function as a topological kinetic trap.     

Syntheses,Structures, and Electrochemical Properties of Two Bis‐triazole‐bis‐amide‐based Copper(II) Pyridine‐2,3‐dicarboxylate Coordination Polymers

Abstract. Two bis‐triazole‐bis‐amide‐based copper(II) pyridine‐2,3‐dicarboxylate coordination polymers (CPs), [Cu(2,3‐pydc)(dtb)_0.5(DMF)] · 2H₂O ( 1 ) and [Cu(2,3‐pydc)(dth)_0.5(DMF)] · 2H₂O ( 2 ) (2,3‐H₂pydc = pyridine‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid, dtb = N,N′‐bis(4H‐1,2,4‐triazole)butanamide, and dth = N,N′‐bis(4H‐1,2,4‐triazole)hexanamide), were synthesized under solvothermal conditions. CPs 1 and 2 show similar two‐dimensional (2D) structures. In 1 , the 2,3‐pydc anions bridge the Cu^II ions into a one‐dimensional (1D) chain. Such 1D chains are linked by the dtb ligands to form a 2D layer. The adjacent 2D layers are extended into a three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular architecture by hydrogen‐bonding interactions. The electrochemical properties of 1 and 2 were investigated.     

Supracolloidal Self‐Assembly of Divalent Janus 3D DNA Origami via Programmable Multivalent Host/Guest Interactions

We introduce divalent 3D DNA origami cuboids as truly monodisperse colloids and harness their ability for precision functionalization with defined patches and defined numbers of supramolecular binding motifs. We demonstrate that even adamantane/β‐cyclodextrin host/guest inclusion complexes of moderate association strength can induce efficient supracolloidal fibrillization at high dilution of the 3D DNA Origami as a result of cooperative multivalency. We show details on the assembly of Janus and non‐Janus 3D DNA origami into supracolloidal homo‐ and heterofibrils with respect to multivalency effects, electrostatic screening, and stoichiometry. We believe that the merger of 3D DNA origami with colloidal self‐assembly and supramolecular motifs provides new synergies at the interface of these disciplines to better understand multivalency effects, to promote structural complexity, and add non‐DNA assembling and switching mechanisms to DNA nanoscience.     

Supramolecular Thermoresponsive Hyperbranched Polymers Constructed from Poly(N‐Isopropylacrylamide) Containing One Adamantyl and Two β‐Cyclodextrin Terminal Moieties

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) oligomer containing one adamantyl (AD) and two β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) moieties at the chain terminals, AD‐PNIPAM‐(β‐CD)₂, was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and successive click reactions. In aqueous solution, AD‐PNIPAM‐(β‐CD)₂ spontaneously forms supramolecular thermoresponsive hyperbranched polymers via molecular recognition between AD and β‐CD moieties. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first report of the construction of supramolecular thermoresponsive hyperbranched polymers from well‐defined polymeric AB₂ building units.

     

Design and proof of reversible micelle‐to‐vesicle multistimuli‐responsive morphological regulations

Multistimuli‐responsive precise morphological control over self‐assembled polymers is of great importance for applications in nanoscience as drug delivery system. A novel pH, photoresponsive, and cyclodextrin‐responsive block copolymer were developed to investigate the reversible morphological transition from micelles to vesicles. The azobenzene‐containing block copolymer poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate‐co‐6‐(4‐phenylazo phenoxy)hexyl methacrylate) [PEO‐b‐P(DEAEMA‐co‐PPHMA)] was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. This system can self‐assemble into vesicles in aqueous solution at pH 8. On adjusting the solution pH to 3, there was a transition from vesicles to micelles. The same behavior, that is, transition from vesicles to micelles was also realizable on addition of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) to the PEO‐b‐P(DEAEMA‐co‐PPHMA) solution at pH 8. Furthermore, after β‐CD was added, alternating irradiation of the solution with UV and visible light can also induce the reversible micelle‐to‐vesicle transition because of the photoinduced trans‐to‐cis isomerization of azobenzene units. The multistimuli‐responsive precise morphological changes were studied by laser light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–vis spectra. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Photocontrolled Phase Transitions and Reflection Behaviors of Smectic Liquid Crystals by a Chiral Azobenzene

The photocontrolled phase transitions and reflection behaviors of a smectic liquid crystal, 4‐octyl‐4′‐cyanobiphenyl (8CB), tuned by a chiral azobenzene, are systematically investigated. For the smectic 8CB doped with the chiral azobenzene (1R)‐(?)‐4‐n‐hexyl‐4′‐menthylazobenzene (ABE), the initial smectic phase can be switched to cholesteric and then to isotropic upon UV irradiation due to the trans‐to‐cis photoisomerization of ABE; however, no reflection band is observed. For the smectic 8CB doped with ABE and the chiral agent (S)‐(?)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diol (BN), a reflection band located in the short‐wavelength infrared region is observed, which disappears after further UV irradiation. For the smectic 8CB doped with ABE and a chiral agent with higher helical twisting power, (S)‐2,2′‐methylendioxy‐1,1′‐binaphthalene (DBN), a phototunable system with cholesteric pitch short enough to reflect visible light is demonstrated. With a given concentration of the chiral dopant DBN, a reversible reflection color transition is realized tuned by the isomerization of azobenzene. The reverse phase transition from isotropic to cholesteric and then to smectic can be recovered upon visible irradiation. The photocontrolled phase transitions in smectic liquid crystals and the corresponding changes in reflection band switched by photoisomerization of azobenzene may provide impetus for their practical application in optical memories, displays, and switches.     

Host–Guest Binding‐Site‐Tunable Self‐Assembly of Stimuli‐Responsive Supramolecular Polymers

Despite the remarkable progress made in controllable self‐assembly of stimuli‐responsive supramolecular polymers (SSPs), a basic issue that has not been consideration to date is the essential binding site. The noncovalent binding sites, which connect the building blocks and endow supramolecular polymers with their ability to respond to stimuli, are expected to strongly affect the self‐assembly of SSPs. Herein, the design and synthesis of a dual‐stimuli thermo‐ and photoresponsive Y‐shaped supramolecular polymer (SSP2) with two adjacent β‐cyclodextrin/azobenzene (β‐CD/Azo) binding sites, and another SSP (SSP1) with similar building blocks, but only one β‐CD/Azo binding site as a control, are described. Upon gradually increasing the polymer solution temperature or irradiating with UV light, SSP2 self‐assemblies with a higher binding‐site distribution density; exhibits a flower‐like morphology, smaller size, and more stable dynamic aggregation process; and greater controllability for drug‐release behavior than those observed with SSP1 self‐assemblies. The host–guest binding‐site‐tunable self‐assembly was attributed to the positive cooperativity generated among adjacent binding sites on the surfaces of SSP2 self‐assemblies. This work is beneficial for precisely controlling the structural parameters and controlled release function of SSP self‐assemblies.     

Photoresponsive Switches at Surfaces Based on Supramolecular Functionalization with Azobenzene–Oligoglycerol Conjugates

The synthesis, supramolecular complexation, and switching of new bifunctional azobenzene–oligoglycerol conjugates in different environments is reported. Through the formation of host–guest complexes with surface immobilized β‐cyclodextrin receptors, the bifunctional switches were coupled to gold surfaces. The isomerization of the amphiphilic azobenzene derivatives was examined in solution, on gold nanoparticles, and on planar gold surfaces. The wettability of functionalized gold surfaces can be reversibly switched under light‐illumination with two different wavelengths. Besides the photoisomerization processes and concomitant effects on functionality, the thermal cis to trans isomerization of the conjugates and their complexes was monitored. Thermal half‐lives of the cis isomers were calculated for different environments. Surprisingly, the half‐lives on gold nanoparticles were significantly smaller compared to planar gold surfaces.     

Supramolecular Complexation in Biological Media: NMR Study on Inclusion of an Anionic Tetraarylporphyrin into a Per‐O‐Methylated β‐Cyclodextrin Cavity in Serum,Blood, and Urine

The supramolecular complexation of 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) with heptakis(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin (TMCD) has been known to be highly specific in aqueous media. In this study, we have used NMR spectroscopy to reveal that this supramolecular system also works even in biologically crowded media such as serum, blood, and urine. A ¹³C‐labeled heptakis(2,3,6‐tri‐O‐methyl‐¹³C)‐β‐cyclodextrin (¹³C‐TMCD) was synthesized and studied using one‐dimensional (1D) HMQC spectroscopy in serum and blood. The 1D HMQC spectrum of ¹³C‐TMCD showed clear signals due to the 2‐, 3‐, and 6‐O¹³CH₃ groups, whose chemical shifts changed upon addition of TPPS due to quantitative formation of the ¹³C‐TMCD/TPPS=2/1 inclusion complex in such biological media. The ¹H NMR signals of non‐isotope‐labeled TPPS included by ¹³C‐TMCD were detected using the ¹³C‐filtered ROESY technique. A pharmacokinetic study of ¹³C‐TMCD and its complex with TPPS was carried out in mice using the 1D HMQC method. The results indicated that (1) 1D HMQC is an effective technique for monitoring the inclusion phenomena of ¹³C‐labeled cyclodextrin in biological media and (2) the intermolecular interaction between ¹³C‐TMCD and TPPS is highly selective even in contaminated media like blood, serum, and urine.     

A two‐dimensional CdII coordination polymer based on naphthalenediimide: synthesis,crystal structure and photochromic properties

Naphthalenediimides, a class of organic dyes with an expanded π‐electron‐deficient plane, have attracted considerable interest because of their photoinduced electron transfer from neutral organic moieties to stable anionic radicals. This makes them excellent candidates for organic linkers in the construction of photochromic coordination polymers. Such a photochromic two‐dimensional coordination polymer has been prepared using N,N′‐bis(pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl)naphthalene‐1,8:4,5‐bis(dicarboximide) (DPMNI). In crystallization tubes, upon slow diffusion of an MeOH solution of cadmium perchlorate into a CHCl₃ solution of DPMNI, the complex poly[[bis[μ₂‐2,7‐bis(pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl)benzo[imn][3,8]phenanthroline‐1,3,6,8(2H,7H)‐tetrone‐κ²N:N′]bis(perchlorato‐κO)cadmium(II)] chloroform tetrasolvate], {[Cd(C₂₆H₁₆N₄O₄)₂(ClO₄)₂]·4CHCl₃}_n, (I), was obtained. The asymmetric unit contains one Cd²⁺ cation, two DPMNI ligands, two coordinated ClO₄⁻ anions and four CHCl₃ solvent molecules. Each Cd²⁺ cation is interconnected by four DPMNI linkers to generate a neutral two‐dimensional naphthalenediimide coordination network with all the ClO₄⁻ anions above or below this plane. Strong interlaminar anion–π interactions between the coordinated ClO₄⁻ anions and the imide rings of an adjacent layer lead to a three‐dimensional supramolecular structure. Compound (I) exhibits reversible photochromic behaviour and photocontrolled tunable luminescence properties, which may originate from the photoinduced electron‐transfer generation of radicals in the DPMNI ligand.     

Synthesis and characterization of a cadmium(II)–organic supramolecular coordination compound based on the multifunctional 2‐amino‐5‐sulfobenzoic acid ligand

Much attention has been paid by chemists to the construction of supramolecular coordination compounds based on the multifunctional ligand 5‐sulfosalicylic acid (H₃SSA) due to the structural and biological interest of these compounds. However, no coordination compounds have been reported for the multifunctional amino‐substituted sulfobenzoate ligand 2‐amino‐5‐sulfobenzoic acid (H₂asba). We expected that H₂asba could be a suitable building block for the assembly of supramolecular networks due to its interesting structural characteristics. The reaction of cadmium(II) nitrate with H₂asba in the presence of the auxiliary flexible dipyridylamide ligand N,N′‐bis[(pyridin‐4‐yl)methyl]oxamide (4bpme) under ambient conditions formed a new mixed‐ligand coordination compound, namely bis(3‐amino‐4‐carboxybenzenesulfonato‐κO¹)diaquabis{N,N′‐bis[(pyridin‐4‐yl)methyl]oxamide‐κN}cadmium(II)–N,N′‐bis[(pyridin‐4‐yl)methyl]oxamide–water (1/1/4), [Cd(C₇H₆NO₅S)₂(C₁₄H₁₄N₄O₂)₂(H₂O)₂]·C₁₄H₁₄N₄O₂·4H₂O, (1), which was characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction analysis (PXRD), FT–IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and UV–Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopic analyses in the solid state. The central Cd^II atom in (1) occupies a special position on a centre of inversion and exhibits a slightly distorted octahedral geometry, being coordinated by two N atoms from two monodentate 4bpme ligands, four O atoms from two monodentate 4‐amino‐3‐carboxybenzenesulfonate (Hasba⁻) ligands and two coordinated water molecules. Interestingly, complex (1) further extends into a threefold polycatenated 0D→2D (0D is zero‐dimensional and 2D is two‐dimensional) interpenetrated supramolecular two‐dimensional (4,4) layer through intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The interlayer hydrogen bonding further links adjacent threefold polycatenated two‐dimensional layers into a three‐dimensional network. The optical properties of complex (1) indicate that it may be used as a potential indirect band gap semiconductor material. Complex (1) exhibits an irreversible dehydration–rehydration behaviour. The fluorescence properties have also been investigated in the solid state at room temperature.