Methanol-Triggered Vapochromism Coupled with Solid-State Spin Switching in a Nickel(II)-Quinonoid Complex

A highly methanol-selective vapochromic response has been realized in a Ni^II -quinonoid complex, [Ni(HL^Me )₂ ] (H₂ L^Me =4-methylamino-6-methyliminio-3-oxocyclohexa-1,4-dien-1-olate) which exhibits a reversible structural transformation including a coordination geometrical change between the square-planar and octahedral structure by the selective uptake of methanol vapor. This was accompanied by a remarkable color change between purple and orange, as well as temperature-robust spin-state switching in the solid state under ambient conditions. It is remarkable that the properties are derived by the fine structural modification of the quinonoid ligand such as methyl or ethyl analogues. Such a system has high potential for applications in memory devices as well as chemical sensors and smart responsive materials.