Light-triggered reversible disassembly of stimuli-responsive coordination metallosupramolecular Pd2L4 cages mediated by azobenzene-containing ligands

Abstract

Herein, a new light stimuli-responsive supramolecular metal-organic coordination M2L4 azo-cage with lantern-shaped architecture is designed and synthesized by coordinating two square-planar-coordinated Pd2+ ions with four trans-azobenzene-containing bis-pyridyl ligands (azo-ligand). The azo-cage can be reversibly disassembled/reassembled mediated by the azo-ligand under visible and UV light irradiation.