Xiao-Dong Yang

A viologen-based coordination polymer exhibiting high sensitivity towards various light sources

The self-assembly of a photoactive 1,1′-bis(4-carboxybenzyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium ligand with cadmium chloride in the presence of a strong electron-donating oxalate anion has successfully afforded a photochromic coordination polymer, which shows high sensitivity not only to ultraviolet-visible radiation but also to X-rays.

A Dual Photochemically Active Molecule Showing Distributable Reactivity Based on Anion-Assisted Coordination Assembly

Distributable reactivity of a dual photochemically active molecule functionalized by a carboxyl coordination unit has been achieved based on anion-assisted coordination assembly. The anions induce the photoactive ligand to align at different orientations in three-dimensional metal-organic frameworks, thus allowing the supramolecular systems to show photocycloaddition with simultaneous luminescence transformation or undergo photoinduced electron transfer accompanied by coloration-decoloration under alternating light and thermal stimuli.

Vapour-driven crystal-to-crystal transformation showing an interlocking switch of the coordination polymer chains between 1D and 3D

A reversible transformation between 1D coordination polymer chains and 3D mechanically interlocked structures, which involves interlocked open and closed linkages based on the [Cd(BCbpe)Cl2] chain, has been achieved through vapour driving. Neither the coordination mode nor composition of the 1D chain undergoes any change during the reversible rearrangement of atoms generated by the breaking/formation of the coordination bonds. The cation–π interaction pair plays a crucial role in transferring structural information, which may serve as a memory matrix and axle to assist the molecules to undergo a flip-flop motion with high synergy.

Application of an electron-transfer catalyst in light-induced aerobic oxidation of alcohols

The first heterogeneous photocatalysis system including a bipyridinium-based complex as the electron-transfer catalyst was developed for aerobic oxidation of alcohols without the use of any noble-metal, external N-oxide or peroxide co-oxidant. The current work provides an efficient strategy for alcohol oxidation through a cost-effective, convenient and eco-friendly route.