Reversible Tuning Hydroquinone/Quinone Reaction in Metal–Organic Framework: Immobilized Molecular Switches in Solid State

Transferring the solution-state chemistry of organic-based molecular switches (OMS) into the solid state usually faces several fatal problems, such as spatial confinement or inefficient conversion. As a result, their switching behavior usually cannot be maintained. Herein, we report a redox-switchable metal–organic framework (MOF) that can undergo a reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformation through a hydroquinone/quinone redox reaction. The redox-triggered transformation is quantitatively reversible while maintaining the crystallinity of the MOF scaffold. In addition, the transformation occurs gradually in the MOF backbone and from the outsurface of MOF to the inside. This study represents a general strategy to enable efficient conversion of the functionality of an OMS from solution into solid state, by incorporation of OMS into the framework of MOF. Furthermore, the material exhibits interesting changes in spectroscopic properties through reversible SCSC transformation and, thus, may be a starting point for the use of such materials in memory storage or redox-based electronic devices.